Lucy Higham spoke of her pride in The Blaze’s performances this season whilst affirming her positivity ahead of the side’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint run-in.

She is included in a squad of 14 for the clash against Sunrisers, which includes the Bryce sisters - who return from international duty - and Marie Kelly, back from the Women’s Caribbean Premier League.

“It’s been fantastic,” Higham said of her team’s results, which have seen them rise to the top of the table with two group games remaining.

“Obviously it’s been a big change moving to Trent Bridge from Loughborough, but what’s been really pleasing, and what we’ve spoken about a lot as a group, is that players have really stood up for the team this year.

“It’s been brilliant to have Nat Sciver-Brunt and [Sarah] Glenny come in alongside Tammy, but I think there’s been a lot of different players that have got us over the line, and obviously winning seven in the 50 over format and qualifying with games to spare has been great.”

When asked about particular highlights, Higham singled out her heroic five-fer at Trent Bridge, but also her team’s resilience and unwavering ability to battle on until the end.

“That first game at Trent Bridge, to take a five was pretty special so it would wrong to look past that. But coming back from the Hundred with the game at Edgbaston I’d say the way we managed to get over the line was a big stand out.

“I think in the years gone by, we’ve fallen short in the close games. I think to get over the line in those really tight games is what you need when going into eliminators and finals.

“Having the knowledge that you can win close games of cricket and really dig in when times are tough is what gives us confidence.”

Despite a disappointing loss to Stars, Higham seemed unphased and praised fellow teammates for their determination to see the game through.

“It was not our best performance and like Grace Ballinger said in the reaction, I think we fell short in probably all three elements really. But her spell up top, taking those early wickets in the powerplay, is exactly the drive and aggression that we’re looking to show.

“Teresa [Graves] also came in for her first game in a while, off the back of not a lot of cricket and she was absolutely phenomenal with the ball. She really stood up with us missing Kathryn Bryce so that was really pleasing to see.

“The lower order impetus reflects that although we didn’t bat how we wanted to on a good wicket, Kirstie still went in and performed.

“We’re taking the mick out of her now because I think her batting average is about 40-something, so we need to get her up the order,” laughed Higham, “But the way that her, Cassidy McCarthy and Josie went in at the end to put on a few runs was really nice to see. Despite not really putting ourselves in the best position, at no point did I think we can’t win this.”

The Blaze face Sunrisers at their former stomping ground, Haslegrave. The former Lightning squad are eager to secure another win to propel their team straight to the final of the 50-over competition.

“We’re back at Loughborough which is a pitch that a lot of us have played for a long time, so it’ll be nice to have a run out there. What’s most important is that winning one out of these next two games will put us straight into the final which will be a huge achievement. But to qualify with three or even four games to spare is massive.

“If we play with the confidence we’ve had throughout the year and string together our parts of the game, then we’ll put ourselves in a strong position to go all the way.

“We’ve just got to stay in the moment, stay present and go out there to play the brand of cricket that we’ve played all season.”