Grace Ballinger says The Blaze are determined to hit back against Warwickshire after last season’s Finals Day defeat when they travel to Edgbaston in the Vitality Blast on Wednesday (2:30pm start).

“Obviously, they beat us in the semi-final of the Blast last year, so we’ve got some vengeance to come back and beat them at their place!” said Ballinger.

“But they’re a good side, and we definitely can’t underestimate them. All you need in T20 cricket, to win a game, is for one or two good players to come off.

“With that in mind, we need to make sure we’re hot on it tomorrow and hopefully we can make it three from three!”

Ballinger takes her place in a new-look 13-strong squad for the trip to the Second City, with Scotland trio Kirstie Gordon, and Kathryn and Sarah Bryce now bound for the T20 World Cup.

Amy Wheeler, Liv Baker, and Georgie Boyce come in, and, having now made 100 appearances for The Blaze, Ballinger stands ready to offer a helping hand to the former pair as young seamers.

“When I came into the squad, I was that youngster that hadn’t made my professional debut, but now, fast forward a few years, I feel like I’m growing into a role of leading the seam attack.

“It really means a lot to me to make 100 appearances. This is the only professional club I’ve ever played for, and it’s one I’ve loved playing for the whole time.

“As much as we’re going to miss the three Scots, this does present another opportunity for these domestic girls to come in and show everyone how good they are.

“It also lets us more senior girls take on a leadership role, and the way that I’ve watched Charley [Phillips] and Cassie [Cassidy McCarthy] grow into their bowling, that has been really nice to see.”

Another member of the squad stepping up into an especially high-powered leadership role will be Marie Kelly, who, in regular captain Gordon’s absence, assumes the role of skipper.

“I’ve known Marie for a really long time,” said Ballinger. “I obviously worked under her at Warwickshire when I was very young - maybe 15 or 16! - and she’s a really good friend of mine.

“She’s a very capable captain. She’s a great leader, she leads by example, and I’m very confident that her captaincy abilities can bring the best out of us as bowlers and as a team.”

Ballinger was certainly not far off her best in her first appearance of the 2026 Blast at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday, claiming 2/14 from four overs in a three-wicket win over Lancashire Thunder.

“I’m really pleased,” she said, of her individual showing in Manchester. “I’ve worked really hard on my middle and death phases this winter, and on being more of a three-phase bowler.

“I feel like that’s reflected in my performances so far this season, both in the 50-over competition, and now, even though it’s early days, in that one T20 too.

“I’m pleased with how I’m feeling overall though, and the whole bowling attack seems to be gelling quite nicely too.”