Batter Marie Kelly has signed a new contract with The Blaze that will keep her at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2027 season.

Kelly, 30, has scored over 1,500 runs across formats for The Blaze, and in 2024, she was part of the squad that lifted the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

“I’m really pleased to sign a new contract with The Blaze and commit my future to a team that’s in a really strong position to compete for trophies,” said Kelly.

“Winning the Charlotte Edwards Cup was one of my best moments as a professional, and with the belief that we’re in a position to be able to repeat that, it’s a really exciting time to be here.”

Kelly recently made a new List A career-best score of 79 against Warwickshire - whom she previously played for under the old domestic structure - and has hit 10 half-centuries for The Blaze.

She has previously captained The Blaze, and has recently stepped into the role again while regular skipper Kirstie Gordon is on international duty with Scotland at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

“I’ve really developed my game and my leadership skills in the time I’ve spent here, and it’s a really enjoyable atmosphere to be part of,” continued Kelly.

“We have a really talented squad, with a great mix of youth and experience, and I can’t wait to be part of it for another 18 months as we aim to bring more silverware back to Trent Bridge.”

Kelly has extensive franchise experience, having appeared in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Rockets, and Northern Superchargers, and is set to join London Spirit for 2026.

Birmingham-born and a graduate of Loughborough University, she also counts Southern Vipers among her former teams, and in 2023 played for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to secure Marie’s future,” said The Blaze Head Coach, Craig Cumming. “She’s one of our key players and has been really valuable for our team.

“She holds all the values that we want to see in our team. She’s stepped up as captain when we’ve needed her, and her contributions with the bat have been really consistent too.

“I’m really looking forward to having her as part of our team for another 18 months yet, and I have no doubt she will continue to play a key part as we look to achieve our goals.”