Wicketkeeper-batter Ella Claridge has agreed a short-term loan deal with Essex covering the remainder of the 2026 season.

Claridge, 23, has made 20 appearances for The Blaze in 2026, taking the gloves on 12 of those occasions, and has scored 161 runs while also effecting 20 dismissals behind the stumps.

The right-hander will be available for selection from Essex’s next match away to Warwickshire, and will also be eligible for subsequent home ties with Surrey and Yorkshire.

She will not, however, be available to play against The Blaze when the sides meet at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Friday 11 September.

“This is a great chance to get a run of matches to finish the summer strongly and ensure I can head into my winter work off the back of some good game time,” said Claridge.

“I’m thankful to the coaches here that while we have great strength in depth here and there’s real competition for places, I can be given the opportunity to play in a different environment.”

Aylesbury-born Claridge is a graduate of the Buckinghamshire academy, and subsequently joined the then-named Lightning in 2021, remaining with the side ever since.

She is a United States international due to her American mother, and has represented the side in 18 white-ball matches in her career to date, most recently in February.

“I’ll obviously be following the remainder of The Blaze’s season closely while I’m away and I can’t wait to see them hopefully secure a spot in the One Day Cup final,” she added.