Marie Kelly has praised the team culture of The Blaze as the East Midlands outfit seek a to return to winning ways in the eliminator against South East Stars.
It’ll be The Blaze’s second time playing the Stars in September, having succumbed to defeat earlier in the month with qualification from the group stages already secured.
That game marked the first of three results which went against The Blaze, but Kelly is sure her side will get back on track at the right time.
“At the start of the season we did really well, and that probably took the pressure off us a little bit as we came into the backend,” Kelly said.
“The momentum was with us, too, then The Hundred came at a slightly tricky time. We had to regroup and start again once that finished, and our last couple of performances probably haven’t gone the way we wanted them to, but we have full confidence that we can change that on Thursday.”
Despite their recent loses, Kelly picked team moral as a defining memory of the season so far, praising her team’s progression and confidence as a side.
“We have been in a really good space all year; we were winning lots of games of cricket which previously as Lightning we haven’t been used to, so the energy in the group was really different to previous years.
“There’s been a lot more confidence and that’s shown in people’s performances as well. I’d say that’s probably been the highlight for the team, just enjoying winning again. And I think it’s been clear to see that everyone is enjoying their cricket again, a lot more so than in previous years.”
There has also been the benefit of contributing personally - Kelly has scored three fifties in the 50 over competition already this season.
“Personally, it’s been one of my goals this year to help to contribute and win more games of cricket for The Blaze,” she continued.
“I think I can take some of those innings and make them even bigger to make sure we get over the line in upcoming games. I want to convert those fifties into more centuries and make more match-defining contributions in the future.
“I feel like I often get good runs and get The Blaze off to a good start but then it’s about capitalising on that, staying patient and just really making sure we get over the line.”
The winner of The Blaze’s fixture against the Stars will progress to Sunday’s final against Southern Vipers at Northampton.
Kelly believes reassurance can be taken from performances across the year ahead of the knockout game, and that the occasion is one to be enjoyed.
“There’s always more pressure when it’s a knock-out game. You know you have to win but looking back to where we’ve been in previous seasons, even getting to this position is something that we’re really proud of as a team,” Kelly said.
“It’s just about taking that confidence from our progression and not putting too much expectation on ourselves. Ultimately, we just have to enjoy the experience and the chance to be in another final, embracing the pressure rather than fearing it.”