The Blaze sign Australian allrounder as partial replacement for Nadine de Klerk

De Klerk will be unavailable for the majority of June and July due to international commitments

Elizabeth Botcherby | 17/04/2024 at 17:09

The Blaze have signed Australian allrounder Heather Graham as a partial replacement for Nadine de Klerk.

De Klerk will be unavailable for the majority of June and July due to a scheduling clash with South Africa's tour of India. She will, however, return later in the season.

Graham will join up with The Blaze for the final five group matches of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, plus Finals Day should they qualify, as well as the four rounds of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy which are scheduled for June 30-July 14.

Over the course of her career, Graham has scored over 2,300 runs and taken nearly 150 wickets with an economy of 7.13 in 192 T20 appearances.

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^{Nadine de Klerk has international commitments with South Africa in June and July [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

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^{Graham recently helped Tasmania win the Women's National Cricket League [Steve Bell/Getty Images]}

In List A cricket, meanwhile, she has over 2,000 runs and 101 wickets in 90 matches and recently helped Tasmania win the 2023/24 Women's National Cricket League. She scored 318 runs and took 13 wickets in 10 matches, including taking 3 for 19 and scoring a half-century in the final.

"Playing for The Blaze is something I'm really looking forward to," Graham said.

"They are at the forefront of the domestic game when you look at their performances and results in 2023, and have a nice blend of international experience and talent coming through.

"Hopefully I can learn a little bit more about my own game in a new environment and pass some information on, too, and leave The Blaze in a strong position by the time I finish."

The Blaze head coach, Chris Guest, added: "Heather is a genuine three-dimensional cricketer, and she is the perfect replacement for Nadine in that respect.

"Her record both with the bat and the ball stand up in their own right and she is a good fielder, which is a real plus for us.

"When looking at overseas signings, you want someone who has the ability to make a difference and contribute to wins games, while their commitment and effect on the group is also really important. From what we know about Heather, she has the potential to give us that impetus on and off the field, and we all look forward to working with her while she is here."

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