Craig Cumming feels the opportunity to reconnect as a group will be invaluable as The Blaze return to action in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The Head Coach has named a 14-strong squad for the side's first fixture since claiming the Vitality Blast trophy in July, with beaten finalists Durham again providing the opposition.

While The Blaze’s players will have had contrasting experiences during The Hundred – with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Georgia Elwiss, Emma Jones and Charley Phillips all claiming the title with Trent Rockets – Cumming feels that the lure of donning Blaze colours again is strong.

“The players are excited to be back at Trent Bridge,” he said.

“While they loved The Hundred, this is home, and brings them back together as a group with strong friendships.

“It’s a quick turnaround for the players, especially those in the final, but we have the chance to get the group together for the first time since we won the (Vitality Blast) final, and to reconnect, share stories and memories and get on task.

“Whenever you have a good day, and that final was a great day, it gives you excitement, smiles on your faces and helps you play with a bit more freedom, so we’ll look to tap back into that too.”

Cumming has enjoyed a month away from competitive action with The Blaze, taking the opportunity to reflect and plan for the longer term.

“From a coaching perspective I can’t wait to get going,” he said.

“I’ve had the time to look at the T20 campaign, what we did well and what we can improve, and also start to plan for the winter, which isn’t that far away.

“I got to to watch some cricket too; one of the best ways to learn is to watch, especially without a biased head on, so it’s been a good a chance to pick up things in that way.”

The fixture list has immediately put this season’s T20 finalists in opposition once more, with Durham making the trip to Nottingham.

The North East-based side were beaten by ten wickets in the Blast final, but Cumming is expecting a tough challenge.

“They had the negative experience of Finals Day, but they’re very well led by Holly Armitage, and are really well coached,” he said.

“The tempo of 50-over cricket suits them, and they’ve got some good all-rounders, so they will be a good test.

“We know if we beat teams that are around us it creates that separation in terms of the league table.

“There’s an advantage to getting first place in the table this year, with the group winners getting straight to the final, so there’s an incentive there that I’m sure everyone’s targeting.”