Brisbane: Jess Jonassen will lead Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League as she signed a three-year contract extension with the club on Thursday (July 30). Jonassen has big shoes to fill as she takes over from Kirby Short, who has retired after helping the side bag two consecutive titles.
“We know we will be tested on a number of fronts this summer, but I firmly believe we should embrace those challenges and be ready to perform to the best of our ability, individually and as a squad,” Jonassen said after her appointment.
“We have seen the WBBL perform an increasingly valuable role in growing the game with women and girls and inspiring them to support and participate in cricket, especially when you see how big the World Cup was for the game in this country.
“As a Heat player, the memories of the support we received at home and away in the past two championship seasons from our fans, and our friends and families, still gives me goosebumps and it is the greatest incentive we have to produce our best again this season. “With Kirby stepping down after playing such an influential role with the club, it’s a privilege to take on the job as skipper, and I’m excited to be part of what we are building here.”
So far Heat have just two players in their roster – Delissa Kimmince and Jonassen – with Beth Mooney moving to Perth Scorchers. The side will aggressively sign players with contracting open till September 25. Heat coach Ashley Noffke stressed the club is making good progress in terms of building a squad.
“JJ has been a senior player in the group for some time and we know the special qualities she can bring to the group,” he said. “Her international experience is a bonus for us in terms of how we will look to operate within the squad. The leadership is a great chance for her to take her game to another level again after really impressing with her consistency in the past two seasons, which is why we believe she is such an important signing.”
South Africa batter Lizelle Lee swapped Melbourne Stars for Renegades, where she will team up with Sophie Molineux at the top of the order, who has now signed a two-year contract extension. Lee comes in with exceptional WBBL credentials – with two centuries and a stellar last season statistics – 475 runs at a strike rate of 131.94.
“I’m thrilled to be heading back to the WBBL and joining a new team will provide some extra motivation,” Lee said. “The Renegades have done well recently and hopefully I can make a positive impact. “I’ve had the pleasure of playing against a lot of these players in the WBBL and internationally, but it’ll be nice to be on the same team this time.”
