Brisbane Heat sign up Pooja Vastrakar for Women's Big Bash debut

Vastrakar follows compatriots Smriti Mandhana and Poonam Yadav in signing for Brisbane, both of whom have played in the WBBL previously

India allrounder Pooja Vastrakar will make her Women's Big Bash debut this winter in the colours of Brisbane Heat.

The 22-year-old has represented India 52 times across formats, impressing with her pace and big-hitting. She is Heat's second nominated overseas player, alongside New Zealand's Amelia Kerr.

Vastrakar, who will follow compatriots Smriti Mandhana and Poonam Yadav in signing for Brisbane, is due to take part in the Commonwealth Games but is currently recovering from Covid.

"Pooja is an outstanding athlete," said Ashley Noffke, the team's head coach. "She bowls with sharp pace, can find the boundary with the bat down the order and is an absolute jet in the field.

^{Poonam Yadav played for Brisbane Heat last year (Mark Brake/Getty Images)}

"We're very pleased to welcome her to the WBBL and are excited about the experience we can offer her. She's certainly a player of the future for India and one that we expect can make a difference for the Heat this summer."

Vastrakar was India's second-highest wicket-taker during their World Cup campaign earlier this year and added a significant half century in a group-stage win over Pakistan.

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