James Cutt, The Blaze’s Director of Cricket, is to leave Trent Bridge later this summer to take up a position as County Pathways Lead at England Women.

Cutt has been with The Blaze, and their predecessors Lightning, since February 2022, and was a key figure in the team’s successful move to West Bridgford that winter, and subsequent transition into the new county-based structure for women’s cricket last year.

The side have since established a reputation as the most consistent women’s team in the country, making the knockout stages in 12 of the 13 competitions they have entered since taking on their new name.

Having won the T20 Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2024, they currently sit top of the Metro Bank One Day Cup table at the halfway stage.

The past four years also have seen The Blaze’s international contingent grow, with England internationals Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt among those making the move to Nottingham.

Five players from the squad have earned selection for England U19s during that time, with four being called up to England A.

The Academy system, meanwhile, has already yielded first-team players in the form of Prisha Thanawala, Maria Andrews and Amy Wheeler.

“It’s been a real privilege to work at Trent Bridge and I feel very proud to have been involved with such a historic and successful county club,” he said.

“I want to thank everyone for making it so enjoyable, and pay particular thanks to Mick Newell for his support over the last five seasons.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the women’s game develop at pace, and feel we’ve been at the forefront of that here, both at professional level and through the work done in the player pathway.

“There are some brilliant people involved with our programmes and I leave with confidence that they will be able to continue their great work.

“I wish everyone involved with The Blaze the very best for what I’m sure will be a successful future. The players and staff have been a pleasure to work with, and I feel confident they will all continue to go from strength to strength.”

Cutt was formerly a Coach Developer with the ECB, a role he first took on in conjunction with a 12-year stint in various roles at his home county of Lancashire following a stint working in New Zealand.

He has also served as a Trustee of the Trent Bridge Community Trust during his time with The Blaze.

“James has been a crucial part of Lightning and The Blaze’s success over the past five seasons, and I’d like to thank him for all of his hard work during that time,” said Nottinghamshire’s Director of Cricket, Mick Newell.

“While we are, of course, sad to lose him, we know that individuals of his calibre will always be in demand, and we wish him all the best with the national setup.

“It’s testament to James’ work that he leaves behind a strong team of players and staff who are well equipped to build on their successes, and I’m sure the 2024 Charlotte Edwards Cup will prove to be the first of many trophies for the team.”