Women's Big Bash champions Brisbane Heat name Ashley Noffke as new coach

Noffke replaces Peter McGiffin, who last year led the side to a first Women’s Big Bash crown for any team outside Sydney

Women’s Big Bash champions Brisbane Heat have appointed former Australia men’s team bowler Ashley Noffke as the franchise’s new head coach, while also re-signing all-rounder Grace Harris ahead of the competition’s fifth year.

Noffke, who played a solitary one-day international and two T20 matches for Australia, replaces Peter McGiffin, who last year led the side to a first Women’s Big Bash crown for any team outside Sydney.

While the 42-year-old Noffke previously won the Big Bash as the bowling coach to Darren Lehmann’s men’s Heat team in 2012/13, he has since worked as assistant coach of Australia Women.

As part of his new role, the former seamer will also take on the role as Konica Minolta Queensland Fire coach ahead of the new season of the Women’s National Cricket League.

“Ash has had a number of important assistant roles within Australian cricket in recent times and we are very pleased that he will move into the head coaching role with the WBBL Brisbane Heat and the Konica Minolta Queensland Fire,” said Heat general manager Andrew McShea.

“We know that the WBBL is inspiring women and girls throughout the country. Six out of every 10 children taking up the game are girls and females make up 30% of all cricket participants nationally,’’ he said.

^{Noffke represented Australia in ODI and T20i cricket.}

Noffke added: “I don’t think anyone who watched the semi-finals and finals of the WBBL would disagree that it was some of the best cricket you could imagine,” he said.

“Having had the opportunity to work with the Australian women’s team, I know how dedicated the players are at being a success on the field and also leaders off it.”

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Among Noffke’s charges will be Harris, the 25-year-old who struck the WBBL’s fastest ever century in last season’s title-winning campaign; the knock – against Melbourne Stars at the Gabba – comprised just 42 deliveries.

She will be joined by Australia trio Beth Mooney, Jess Jonassen and Delissa Kimmince, who have all re-signed for the reigning champions.