Grace Ballinger shares away day diary as The Blaze seamer in 2026

Professional cricketer Grace Ballinger reflects on life on the road playing away fixtures for The Blaze in 2026.

Days blur during travel season My calendar no longer follows the usual seven-day cycle. Instead, it’s tracked through coach windows, hotel hallways, and motorway service stations. This rhythm is shared by teammates, coaching staff, and supporters who follow the team across the country. The cricket season essentially turns into a summer of constant movement, where days of the week lose their meaning. Every plan revolves around match schedules and fixture lists, making routine life feel secondary. ## Away trips bring both joy and strain Traveling to different venues across the country is one of the perks of professional cricket, and the entire squad looks forward to these away days. Spending extended periods with teammates while exploring new locations can be incredibly rewarding, especially when the team’s performance matches individual success. Yet, the road isn’t always smooth; it can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. Last summer, we faced a grueling schedule: an evening game at The Kia Oval followed by a full-day journey home, then another trip to Durham the next morning. Covering opposite ends of the nation in under 48 hours leaves little room for recovery. ## Scheduling chaos defines cricket travel Weekends, weekdays, and sometimes both—matches pop up unpredictably, making personal planning nearly impossible. Free time is a rare commodity, and even when it appears, its timing is random. Long coach trips are inevitable, but I feel lucky to represent a Midlands-based side where travel distances are manageable compared to farther-flung opponents. ## Favorite venues and toughest grounds As a seam bowler, I have a few grounds I prefer over others. Chester-le-Street tops my list thanks to its pitches and northern weather, which often support effective bowling. The Oval is another favorite; its beauty is undeniable, and despite high scores, it usually offers decent carry for bowlers like me. At the complete opposite end sits Beckenham, Kent’s outground. While the setting is pleasant, the journey is horrendous, and the ground itself is a nightmare for bowlers. Last season, I bowled 10 overs for 76 runs in a tied match where both teams piled up 346 runs. ## Exploring historic and local grounds The rapid growth of women’s cricket means we regularly play at top-tier venues, with only Hove left on my unvisited list among the 18 first-class county grounds. Still, I cherish opportunities to step onto lesser-known club pitches. The Blaze often hosts matches at Chesterfield in Derbyshire, a picturesque ground set in a park that buzzes during its annual cricket festival. Scarborough and Exmouth Cricket Clubs have also welcomed us in the past two years, despite biting cold and wind that drew solid crowds and competitive games. ## Blackpool awaits with childhood memories In a few weeks, I’ll return to Blackpool Cricket Club for a 50-over match against Lancashire in the competition. My family visited Blackpool every summer during my childhood, so stepping back onto that ground as a professional feels like a full-circle moment. The nostalgia alone makes this trip something to savor. ## Location shapes enjoyment beyond cricket The destination itself can turn an away game into a highlight. A recent T20 double-header in Manchester—a two-hour trip—ended with a stay over the bank holiday Sunday. The chance to enjoy the city’s energy during a 30°C heatwave was memorable. On that day, I was honored to receive my 100th cap from my bowling coach, Luke Fletcher, an ex-Nottinghamshire player. The victory that followed only added to the day’s significance, making Manchester a ground I’ll happily revisit. ## Grateful for the journey This summer is packed with travel, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Turning my passion for cricket into a career is a privilege, and the adventures that come with it are part of the reward. The only downsides? The M42’s congestion and the M6’s endless traffic—if only there were an extra lane on the motorway to ease the frustration.