The Blaze have secured the services of England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones ahead of the 2025 season.
The signing will see the 31-year-old – who has been capped over 200 times by her country – move back to the East Midlands, having played for Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Super League between 2016 and 2019.
She joins centrally-contracted teammates Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Glenn and Nat Sciver-Brunt at Trent Bridge.
“I’m really excited to join The Blaze at what is an exciting time for them as a team and the game more widely,” Jones said.
“They have a settled squad of players which has carried over from the regional set-up, and have created what looks like a positive, enjoyable environment.
“I’d love to be able to contribute to that in the time I’m able to spend around the group whilst also passing on my experience and progressing my own game.
“It’ll definitely help the transition being back with players and staff who I’ve known for a long time – and still play with in some cases.
“I’m looking forward to being part of it and helping to bring more success to Trent Bridge in whatever way I can.”
Jones has been centrally contracted since the introduction of England Women’s Performance Programme contracts in 2014, having made her ODI debut a year prior.
In the intervening 11 years, she’s amassed over 3,500 runs in all formats for the Three Lions, with 477 dismissals across T20, List A and First Class cricket.
That includes eight seasons and counting in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she is currently playing for Perth Scorchers.
She moves to The Blaze from Central Sparks – for whom she made her top score of 163 not out in 2021 – while she was also named Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year in 2022 having ended the tournament as the top run scorer.
At The Blaze, Jones will join seven other players who were also part of the Loughborough Lightning senior team during her previous stint in the East Midlands.
“It’s obviously a massive coup to have Amy with us – it shows the direction in which we are heading as a team with real depth in our squad,” Interim Head Coach, Jon Bateson-Clarke, said.
“Her presence will benefit everyone. She is a proven performer with a lot of experience both domestically and around the world in franchise and international cricket.
“She’ll add quality to our playing squad when her England commitments allow, and she’ll bolster our stock of keepers who will continue to push, and learn from, each other.
“As importantly, she’s a great person who will fit into the group nicely – it’ll be great for her to reconnect with our playing group having spent time with us previously.
“Likewise, we’ll be here to support her with whatever she needs as she continues her journey in the game.”
*Main image @TrentBridge Jones on England duty where she’s played over 200 international games.