Promising seam bowler Amy Wheeler has agreed a one-year contract extension to keep her with The Blaze until the end of the 2026 season.

Wheeler is in her first year as a full-time professional after signing a rookie contract last September in partnership with the ACE Programme.

She originally came through the Staffordshire pathway before moving to the East Midlands in 2021, with her maiden contract concluding four seasons in the Academy.

The 19-year-old recently made her full bow for The Blaze in the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup last-16 meeting with Oxfordshire.

She has also played first-team cricket in tier two for Worcestershire this summer, notably hitting an unbeaten 70 off just 44 balls against Leicestershire on her Pears debut in April.

The ACE Programme - a charity whose aim is to ‘support diverse talent from the grassroots to the elite’ among the African and Caribbean communities - will continue to support Wheeler on her cricketing journey.

“It’s a really proud moment to sign a contract extension with The Blaze,” said Wheeler. “I’ve developed so much as a cricketer and as a person while I’ve been here.

“Working with Craig and all the staff has been really beneficial and very enjoyable, and sharing a dressing room with international players has helped me develop my game hugely.

“I love being around the girls, who have been so supportive, and they are a huge part in how much I’ve enjoyed my journey with The Blaze so far.

“I’m also grateful to the ACE Programme for their support, and I can’t wait for the rest of this summer and beyond as I keep working to try and break into the first XI on a more regular basis.”

Craig Cumming, Head Coach of The Blaze, added: “We’re delighted to get a contract extension for Amy over the line and continue to support her development.

“Her bowling speed is what stands out and makes her a really exciting cricketer to work with, but she has also shown her strengths with the bat and in the field.

“We’re confident that, with her work ethic and the right support around her, she can grow to be a successful first-team player.”