Kirstie Gordon is delighted to be back with The Blaze as the side head towards the “business end” of the Vitality Blast, starting with a home tie against Surrey tomorrow at Trent Bridge (2:30pm).

“It’s always nice coming home to be part of the group again, and to have that time together again,” said Gordon, who returns from T20 World Cup duty with Scotland.

“I think the girls have done really well over the last few weeks, when there have been a number of players missing for different reasons.

“Obviously, we’re still missing a few, but it’s good to be back and hopefully soon we’ll have close to a full squad to pick from!”

Gordon returns from international duty to lead a squad of 13, which also includes her fellow Scottish internationals Kathryn and Sarah Bryce.

“I can’t stay away really!” smiled Gordon, when asked if she had followed along while away at the World Cup.

“I watched most of the live streams and it’s great that the girls have picked up quite a lot of points, so hopefully we can continue that form in the next couple of weeks.”

For Gordon herself, she says she has returned from the experience of the World Cup as a better-educated cricketer, and she is confident she can pass the knowledge on.

“It was a mega learning opportunity,” she said, of the tournament. “It’s not every week you’re playing in front of that big a crowd, and the pressure and expectation that comes with that.

“There was definitely loads of emotion, but it was nice to have performed well, and it was a really big month for me.”

Now, back with The Blaze, Gordon is keen to rally her troops against the challenge of defending champions Surrey and ensure the side can lock in a Finals Day spot at the earliest opportunity.

“We want to keep [our form] up,” affirmed Gordon. “These are the games that matter, and this is why we play.

“Our fixtures are pretty difficult because we play those teams who are around us at the top, but we come into this with a lot of confidence.

“Good teams find ways to win and to perform, and it’s always a good game when we play Surrey, so we’re looking forward to getting back out there at Trent Bridge!”