Under the leadership of Jess Jonassen, Brisbane Heat are looking to improve on their third-place finish and playoff defeat last term. MATTHEW LUDDINGTON takes a look at the how the squad is shaping up going into the new season
Brisbane Heat have performed consistently well in the Women's Big Bash League. They clinched consecutive championships in WBBL04 and WBBL05, and have secured playoff berths for the past five seasons.
Last year, the Heat banked a third-place finish. They overcame Hobart Hurricanes in the Eliminator but lost to the Adelaide Strikers in the Challenger.
This season, Jess Jonassen's team is determined to maintain their impressive track record, with a minimum expectation of reaching the playoffs. They've retained the core of last year's squad, and added South Africa international Mignon du Preez and England international Bess Heath to bolster the team's batting.
In their pursuit of a third title, Heat will rely heavily on their star players such as skipper Jonassen, New Zealand international Amelia Kerr, Georgia Redmayne, Nicola Hancock, and Grace Harris to deliver exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
Coach: Ashley Noffke
Captain: Jess Jonassen
How strong is the batting?
The Strikers' batting lineup is incredibly consistent. Leading the charge at the top of the order is Redmayne, a dependable force who scored 354 runs last season with an impressive average of 35.4. Notably, she came tantalisingly close to a century against the Melbourne Renegades, ending on 98 not out.
Grace Harris showcased her prowess last season by accumulating 297 runs, and may get the chance to open this year.
New signing du Preez brings a wealth of experience and will strengthen the top order. The middle order features the likes of Georgia Voll, Laura Harris, Heath, and Kerr, offering versatility and depth.
Allrounder Jonassen has proven her batting skills by scoring 99 in an Ashes Test and had an impressive average of 37 in the WBBL last year, and Charli Knott is a capable batter.
While the Strikers may not always match the explosive power of some other teams, their strength lies in the quality and consistency of their batting, which is well adapted for a tournament with varying playing conditions.
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen [Getty Images]
How strong is the bowling?
The Heat possess a formidable lineup of spin bowlers. However, the squad lacks express pace, and the departure of Jess Kerr to the Sydney Sixers a setback.
In the seam bowling department, Courtney Sippel, a young medium pacer, employs a diverse array of variations in her deliveries, and Hancock's medium pace took an impressive 22 wickets in 2022.
Heat's strength clearly lies in their spin bowling arsenal, with two world-class spinners at their disposal. Last season Jonassen's left-arm orthodox spin notched an impressive 25 wickets, while Kerr's leg spin accounted for 21 victims. England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn will fill in for Kerr, who will miss the early rounds of the 2023 competition. Further options include Knott, whose off-spin is economical, and the youthful leg-spin duo of Grace Parsons and Ellie Johnstone.
While the team's pace bowling options may appear limited, it's worth noting that the modern trend in T20 cricket is to take pace off as early as possible. Heat have chosen to stick with this formula that served them well last season.
Why should fans be excited?
Brisbane Heat offer a distinctive brand of cricket, characterised by their methodical batting and a formidable spin-bowling arsenal that can stifle opposition teams. Their consistency is underpinned by five consecutive playoff appearances, and the side is led superbly by Jonassen. They are a very difficult team to beat.
Following three playoff disappointments, Heat are determined to lay their hands on the coveted trophy. The addition of former South African captain du Preez should provide fantastic viewing for fans. Her international experience and consistent run scoring add a fresh dimension to the squad.
Fans can enjoy watching Jonassen and Kerr bamboozle batters with their world-class spin bowling.
Laura Harris offers plent with the bat [Getty Images]
Why should fans be concerned?
Despite their many strengths, Heat have areas of weakness in their side. Their batting lacks the explosive firepower seen in some rival teams, leaving them susceptible to being outgunned in high-scoring encounters. Moreover, Heat's bowling attack lacks express pace, with only two frontline seam-bowling options at their disposal. On pitches that don't spin, they could struggle.
Additionally, most of last year's victories hinged on their star players, making them vulnerable if these key contributors suffer a loss of form. The team will need their international stars to fire this season.
Squad: Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Mikayla Hinkley, Ellie Johnston, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Georgia Voll, Amelia Kerr, Bess Heath, Mignon du Preez, Sarah Glenn (partial replacement for Amelia Kerr), Lucy Hamilton
Fixtures and start times AEST: October 20 – Melbourne Renegades (a, 7.10); October 22 – Perth Scorchers (a, 1.40pm); October 24 Sydney Sixers (a, 6.10pm); October 27 Melbourne Stars (h, 8.30pm); 29 October Adelaide Strikers (a, 7.10pm), 4 November Hobart Hurricanes (a, 6.30pm); 6 November Sydney Thunder (a, 6.10pm); 9 November Perth Scorchers (h, 7.10pm), 11 November Adelaide Strikers (h, 7.10pm); 15 November Hobart Hurricanes (h, 12.00pm); 17 November Melbourne Renegades (h, 7.40pm); 19 November Melbourne Stars (a, 1.40pm); 21 November Sydney Sixers (h, 7.10pm); 26 November Sydney Thunder h, 3.40pm)
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