Brisbane Heat have suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season, with experienced all-rounder Jess Jonassen ruled out of the tournament due to a hip complaint. The former captain is one of six changes to the Heat’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
The franchise has moved quickly to fill the vacancy, signing an international left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who previously featured in the competition. The new recruit will join the team before their second match against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday and remain available for the rest of WBBL|12.
Brisbane Heat announce replacement for Jess Jonassen
Brisbane Heat signed Yastika Bhatia, securing the India international as an injury replacement after former captain Jess Jonassen was ruled out of the tournament with a hip complaint. He acknowledged Jonassen’s absence but expressed confidence that the replacement would settle into the squad quickly. Sorrell said signing a quality international player so close to the tournament was a significant boost for the team.
He also pointed to the batter’s experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field as reasons for believing she would fit in well with the group. The recruit previously played six matches for Melbourne Stars in WBBL|10. She joins the Heat as their third and final overseas recruit for the season, alongside England spinner Sarah Glenn and Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast.
Also READ: WBBL|12: Melbourne Stars announce new captain after Annabel Sutherland steps down
Replacement brings international experience after injury comeback
The new signing brings experience from 58 international matches across all three formats. She endured a lengthy absence after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September 2025, which forced her to miss nearly 18 months of cricket, including India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title. The left-hander made a memorable return to international cricket in July 2026 during India’s Test tour of England.
She became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, producing a landmark innings during India’s emphatic 270-run victory over England. She was also part of India’s T20 World Cup squad earlier in 2026 and has won two Women’s Premier League titles with Mumbai Indians, in 2023 and 2025.
Brisbane Heat will begin their WBBL|12 campaign against Sydney Sixers on Friday night under new captain Georgia Redmayne. After failing to register a win last season, the team will be aiming to make a stronger start with their revised squad.
Also READ: Sydney Thunder sign experienced England pacer for WBBL 2026-27 campaign
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
