Photo Credit: ICC
Early WBBL Finish For Pooja
The WBBL Brisbane Heat will welcome back New Zealand seamer Jess Kerr for the remainder of the Weber Women’s Big Bash League.
Indian allrounder Pooja Vastrakar will finish her initial WBBL playing stint early after being recalled to India to attend player camps ahead of their forthcoming domestic and international season.
However, the loss of the international recruit has been covered by the return of Kerr, the older sister of star allrounder Amelia Kerr, who played the first three games of the season while Vastrakar was on international duty.
Brisbane coach Ashley Noffke said the squad was prepared to manage the player change mid-tournament.
“While we’re disappointed to see Pooja leave before the end of the tournament, we have really valued her input and the way she has contributed to the group,” he said.
“She has been a lot of fun to be around, and we have thoroughly enjoyed having her as part of the Heat.”
“We hope she has gained a lot from her WBBL experience and are looking forward to seeing her take her game to a higher level in the future.”
“We’re very fortunate to be able to welcome Jess Kerr back for the remainder of the competition and thank her for making the time in her schedule to fulfill that extra commitment,” Noffke said.
Kerr picked up four wickets at an economy rate of 5.25 in her three matches in Mackay.
She will link with the Heat in Adelaide today ahead of their next game on Saturday.
The Heat will assess wicket-keeper Georgia Redmayne again today following the hamstring injury yesterday which saw her retire hurt for 28 during the Brisbane innings against Perth at Lilac Hill.
Ellie Johnston is the squad’s back-up ‘keeper and took the gloves yesterday during the Heat fielding innings while Queensland Fire and Queensland Under-19 ‘keeper Caitlin Mair has also been training with the Heat this season.
Brisbane will take on the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday and the Adelaide Strikers on Monday, with both games in Adelaide.
All details can be found at brisbaneheat.com.au.
