Maria Andrews has signed her first professional contract with The Blaze, stepping up from the Academy to the first-team squad until the end of the Vitality Blast campaign.

Andrews graduated from The Blaze’s Emerging Player Programme into the Academy in 2023.

The left-handed all-rounder, who bowls left-arm orthodox, has enjoyed a productive few years with bat and ball.

She has been a regular for Derbyshire’s T20 side in Vitality Blast League Two, taking 32 wickets in 18 appearances at 10.40, with best figures of 5/17.

Earlier this year, she earned selection for England Women U19s for a tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka, having featured in the national side’s U19 winter training squad before Christmas.

"I'm really excited for the challenge over the next few weeks," she said.

"I'm looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone and taking on the new experience, as it can only make me a better player.

"All the girls in the first team are really nice and supportive, and it'll be important for me to tap into their insight and knowledge in the next few weeks.

"It can look like a big step up from the Academy, but everyone working in the Academy works so hard on making sure you're as prepared as you can, and seeing other Academy players make it into the first team shows you that the rewards are there for you."

Andrews becomes the latest graduate from The Blaze Academy to earn a spot in the senior squad, with Prisha Thanawala, Amy Wheeler and Liv Baker among those to have moved into the professional game after time in Cain Hamilton-Boyle's Academy setup.

“With a few of our more established players involved in the World Cup over the next few weeks, there will be some exciting opportunities for our younger players to move into the senior squad for the first time,” said Head Coach Craig Cumming.

“Maria has earned this opportunity through her performances and her attitude, both for the Academy and with Derbyshire.

“Being exposed to the first-team environment will only be a positive thing for her development. I’m sure Maria will benefit hugely from seeing how our senior players go about their business, putting her in the best possible place to perform if called upon.”