The Blaze have strengthened their squad stability by extending contracts for six key players, ensuring their presence until at least 2027 as they look to build on their ambitions beyond the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026.
The move reinforces the team’s continuity, blending experience with emerging talent. Head Coach Craig Cumming welcomed the development, highlighting its importance for the team’s long-term goals. “I’m really excited by being able to keep all of these players at The Blaze,” he said. “Retaining the core of the squad that has tasted success previously, and are passionate and driven to play for the Blaze, is exciting and will be very important as we move forward with the goal of bringing more success to Trent Bridge in the years to come.”
Key Players Extend Their Stay
Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips, Georgia Elwiss, and Ella Claridge have all signed one-year extensions, keeping them at the club until at least October 2027.
Among them, Georgia Elwiss stands out following a strong season after joining from Southern Vipers ahead of 2025. The experienced all-rounder led the team’s run charts with 965 runs and also claimed 17 wickets across formats.
Reflecting on her extension, Elwiss said, “Playing for The Blaze over the past year has been a really enjoyable experience, so I’m thrilled to be staying for another two summers yet. It was really pleasing to be able to contribute in the way that I did last summer, and I’ve got a very clear target to repeat that over the next two summers as we go after some trophies.”
Young Talent Continues to Develop
The retained group also includes promising young players. Seamer Charley Phillips, 22, joined from Sunrisers in 2024 and has taken 11 wickets in 11 appearances. Cassidy McCarthy, 23, impressed in 2025 with 24 wickets and spoke about her progress within the setup.
“I was really pleased with the season I had last year, and I feel that I’ve made a lot of progress in developing my game while I’ve been part of The Blaze. That’s what makes it so exciting to stay here for at least another two summers, because this group has so much potential to achieve some fantastic things.”
Ella Claridge, also 23, contributed 317 runs last season and featured in seven matches for the USA at the T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Future Prospects Secured
In addition, Prisha Thanawala and Liv Baker, both products of The Blaze Academy, have committed to two-year deals running until at least October 2028, marking them as part of the team’s future plans.
Cumming emphasised the value of nurturing talent at different stages of development. “All six players are at different stages of their development, but they either have already played really important roles for us, or have the potential to in the future. The opportunity to help these high-potential cricketers reach the best level they can, and see them keep contributing to the team moving forward, is a really exciting thought.”
Building Towards Long-Term Success
With a stable core and a mix of experience and youth, The Blaze have positioned themselves strongly for future campaigns. The contract extensions underline their intent to maintain continuity while continuing to develop emerging talent within the squad.
