BLAZING A TRAIL…
Keeping an Eye on the Past
Twelve matches at Trent Bridge make for a tempting schedule for the players and the fans of The Blaze this summer.
Women playing cricket at Trent Bridge used to be a rarity, though there were games in the early 20th Century, they were 'novelty' matches. Now, with the Blaze and Trent Rockets firmly established as part of the ‘Trent Bridge family’ – with record attendances – the women’s game has come a long way since the first major match played there in 1939!
In 2026, the Blaze will play more games than ever at Trent Bridge, including six T20 double headers alongside Notts Outlaws.
Skipper Kirstie Gordon is very aware of the history that precedes her and her team. For Kirstie, playing at this historic ground is something she doesn’t take lightly:
“It’s a huge honour… I love feeling part of something bigger than myself and despite the magnitude of the history here it still has that family feel to it.
“We have the privilege of representing so many people who care deeply about this club and that’s something I’m very proud of.”
As part of the Heritage Team, the Women in Cricket project commemorates the stories of women's cricket, past and present, across Nottinghamshire and at Trent Bridge, for the benefit of current and future generations.
International Women’s Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to reflect on the political, economic, social and cultural achievements of women. For women’s sport, and cricket in particular, there has been a remarkable growth in the visibility and popularity of the women’s game during recent years.
Kirstie is well aware of the responsibilities that this comes with: “Being a professional sportswoman means living out something I once only dreamed about.
“It’s a privilege, but it also comes with a duty to represent the women’s game and, more broadly, women’s sport in the right way. It’s about constantly striving to improve, being accountable, and setting standards on and off the pitch.
“I’m proud to be part of the generation where women’s sport turned professional and hopefully we’re inspiring young girls to believe there’s a place for them in professional sport.”
Women have been playing cricket almost as long as there has been a men’s game – with records going back to the late 18th C – but rarely at places like Trent Bridge.
Kirstie and The Blaze have changed all that, acknowledging the inspiration of those who came before and how their continuing impact.
Kirstie notes that although “female cricketers were less visible for me growing up, hopefully something which is now changing… Kari Carswell, my first coach at Cricket Scotland was someone I looked up and how she fought to put women’s cricket on the radar.
“Women like her who have gone before me, remind me to keep fighting for women’s cricket and striving for more.”
Part of that determination is to Blaze a trail for the next generation of women cricketers.
There is no doubt, therefore, that these players are inspiring a new generation: “The opportunities now in women’s cricket are incredible but with that comes an increase in competition so you have to work hard and take accountability of your development if you’re going to make it into a career”, she added.
Those opportunities may come locally in 2026 for with the Women’s IT20 World Cup being played in England, as many as six or seven Blaze players could be away with their international squads. Curiously, Kirstie has in the team she skippers two international captains – Nat Sciver-Brunt of England and Kathryn Bryce of Scotland – so she is keenly aware of the challenges ahead.
“There will be chances for the next group of players to come through and stake their claim”, Kirstie said. “I’m proud to be part of the generation where women’s sport turned professional and hopefully inspiring young girls to believe there’s a place for them in professional sport.”
Kirstie’s advice to those looking to build on the work of those pioneers of the women’s game is simple: “It’s maybe a cliche but work hard and have fun.
“But it’s not all about becoming a pro, cricket can provide so much hope, friendship and community to all different people so getting stuck in and having fun are equally as important.”
International Women’s Day will be marked across Nottinghamshire in a variety of ways, one of which will be the drive to make The Blaze a beacon of hope for young women and girls in 2026.
March 2026