Photo Credit: Brisbane Heat
The WBBL Brisbane Heat has further boosted its batting firepower with noted hitters Laura Harris and Ellie Johnston re-signing with the club ahead of this summer’s Weber Women’s Big Bash League.
Co-inciding with today’s release of the WBBL|09 season fixtures, the Heat has welcomed back the dynamic duo, with each enjoying eye-catching performances last summer when the team finished third.
Harris had a strong season in all formats in 2022-23, winning the inaugural Jodie Purves Trophy, named in honour of the former Australian captain and wicket-keeper, that was awarded to the best female player from votes tallied across the Queensland Fire and WBBL Brisbane Heat seasons.
In her 100th WBBL game, she produced the second fastest 50 of all time in the competition, off just 18 balls, as she swept Brisbane to a win over Hobart.
She was one of the few uncapped overseas players signed for the inaugural Women’s Premier League in India, playing for the Delhi Capitals which finished as runners-up to Mumbai.
Johnston made an early impact last season, coming in as a match day replacement for Grace Harris at Great Barrier Reef Arena, and turning on the power.
She plundered four sixes on the way to 54 from 34 balls at the top of the order to help the Heat to a thrilling nine-run win over the Melbourne Stars.
Johnston, 20, also played for the Governor-General’s XI side that defeated the touring Pakistan women’s team in a high scoring match at Allan Border Field.
She had the chance to experience her first series overseas, featuring in the 2023 FairBreak Invitational T20 tournament in Hong Kong in April where her team won the Final.
The WBBL Heat finished third last season, losing in the preliminary final to the Adelaide Strikers which went on to claim the title.
The fixtures for the Weber WBBL|09 competition launched today feature five Heat games at Allan Border Field this summer as well as one match in Mackay.
Heat and Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said fans would relish the chance to enjoy WBBL matches at Allan Border Field and Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
“There is always an outstanding feeling around the Heat’s matches at AB Field, and the sight of so many young boys and girls and their families enjoying the action at our traditional home of women’s cricket is very rewarding,” he said.
“We enjoyed sell-out crowds last season when we made the return to Allan Border Field, and with more games at the venue this season, including prime time matches under lights and on weekends, we look forward to welcoming big crowds again,” Svenson said.
The Heat will host the Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Sixers at Allan Border Field.
With the support of the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association, the Heat will return to the region for the sixth time; this time for a Saturday night game against the reigning title holders Adelaide Strikers on Saturday 11 November.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a massive coup for the region to be able to host so many top class cricket matches at the newly redeveloped Great Barrier Reef Arena.
“This venue has gone from strength to strength, and it will be tremendous to be able to showcase it, and our region, to international audiences,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Mackay crowds love their cricket, and I have no doubt they will be out in force to support our elite Queensland and Australian teams,” he said.
“It really is fantastic to see the young fans able to interact with their sporting heroes and see them in action in their hometown.
“Council is proud to be able to support bringing these high profile matches to our region through our Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program.”
The launch of WBBL|09 fixtures contain several highlights in what shapes as another important season for the competition.
Teams will play more matches in their home markets than ever before, while each side will feature at their home ground in their first nine days of the tournament.
Weber WBBL|09, the world’s leading cricket league for women, will be further boosted by the inaugural WBBL Overseas Player Draft, when Clubs will vie for the services of the world’s best T20 players.
Once again, Channel Seven will broadcast 24 matches, including all three finals, with Foxtel and Kayo to show all 59 matches live.
Tickets for Weber WBBL|09 matches will be available on August 24.
