South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk has re-signed for The Blaze for the 2024 season. 

The 2023 Player of the Year made an instant impact in the East Midlands, claiming 28 wickets in 15 games across both formats, in addition to crucial late middle order runs. 

The 23-year-old will be available for the full summer ahead, with the exception of any international commitments as per Cricket South Africa's no objection certificate.

“I’m really excited to get back with The Blaze,” de Klerk said. 

“It was a pleasure to be part of the group last season. We gelled well and put together a lot of good performances. 

“We set the marker for where we want to be and what we want to achieve having got to the final of both competitions, and I know everyone will be focused on going further next year to win titles.

“It won’t be easy with the quality of the competition but by building on what we did well last year and improving in certain areas I am really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.”

de Klerk showed her credentials on debut, taking two wickets against Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, before guiding her side to a three wicket victory with an unbeaten 25 against Sunrisers. 

She went on to take the best figures in women’s domestic List A cricket against Northern Diamonds - 7-33 - on the way to 13 wickets from seven 50 over games. 

In eight Charlotte Edwards Cup appearances, the South African claimed 15 scalps at 11.40 to finish as the top wicket-taker in the T20 competition.

That tally helped to earn her a spot with The Oval Invincibles, for whom she struck a 25-ball half-century against Trent Rockets. 

In September, she won the player of the match awards in One Day Internationals against Pakistan and New Zealand with a four-wicket haul and match-winning unbeaten fifty respectively. 

“It’s a huge coup to have Nadine back for the season,” The Blaze's Head Coach, Chris Guest, said. 

“She had a brilliant season on the field last year, and played a big part in us adopting a winning mentality.

“She is really driven and focused in the way she trains and plays - which sets a great example - and has a lot of experience despite her age, which is important for us as a younger side. 

“She has shown she can adapt well to English conditions and is really enthusiastic about being with us, buying into what we are trying to achieve. 

“We’re keen to build upon the foundations we put in place last summer and, with Nadine, we believe we are well placed to compete in both formats in 2024.”