Captain Kirstie Gordon says The Blaze take great heart from a previous win over table-toppers Surrey, but are squarely focused on what is still to come.
In a top-two clash, Gordon’s charges take on the Vitality Blast group leaders tomorrow (Friday 11 July) at 2:30pm, with 30-degree heat anticipated at Trent Bridge.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” she said. “Obviously, we’ve had a couple of rain-outs here, but I don’t think there’s any doubt about the weather tomorrow, which is exciting!
“We had a great result down at the Oval, so we’ll be hoping to repeat the feat up here.”
Gordon leads a squad of 14 into what is The Blaze’s final home group stage game in this year’s competition.
“We’ve seen in this competition, especially across the last few weeks, that anyone can beat anyone,” explained Gordon.
“It’s very open, so while we’re taking confidence from our run of form, there will certainly be no complacency against a really good, and quite unpredictable, side like Surrey.
“The fact they’re unpredictable is something that we’re speaking about in our pre-match planning, but I think with that, it brings more headaches for them.
“We’re really clear in what we’re trying to do, regardless of who comes out to bat and in what position.”
What’s more, according to Gordon, The Blaze’s clarity of thought is only improved by the support the team receives at Trent Bridge.
“[The crowd] have a massive impact, especially at our home venue. We’re fortunate that we normally get a decent crowd. Hopefully we’ll get a big one down on Friday afternoon.
“They’re a really knowledgeable cricket crowd that always get behind the home team, so we’re looking forward to getting out there, especially with the sun shining.”
With a trip to Essex on Sunday following tomorrow’s meeting of the top two, the chance to secure qualification this weekend for Finals Day, which takes place at the end of the month, is now a very tantalising prospect.
However, while acknowledging the positive situation that The Blaze find themselves in, Gordon is keen to stress the importance of not looking too far ahead.
“It’s one game at a time, but [it’s true] that we’re getting to the business end of the competition now,” she said.
“We’re just trying to take each game as it comes, and accumulate as many points as possible. We’re really happy with where we are at the minute, but there are teams that are on our heels.
“Friday is big, and so is Sunday - it’s a big weekend. Tomorrow is our last home group game, so we want to finish strongly in front of our own fans.”
*******
