Quick one this week.
The WBBL starts in just over a week, so I thought it would be good to share who we’ll be barracking for.
I’m a proud Queenslander, so I’m a Heat girl myself.
I’ll be interested to see how they go this year without Sammy-Jo Johnson and Beth Mooney, both huge losses to the team along with the retirement of captain Kirby Short.
I think Nadine De Klerk is a great signing for us though. She bowled with some real intensity in the T20 World Cup for SA so I think she’s a great replacement for SJJ.
Batter I’m most looking forward to seeing?
Grace Harris. With the bat as well as with the mic on.
Quick cool story about Grace.
I ran into her outside the MCG on our way home from the WT20 WC final in March. I was surprised to see her, as you would be, and just said G’day, but that was followed by about 10 minutes of chatting about the final, the Heat, and cricket in general.
It’s no surprise she’s been one of my faves for a long time, and although she can sometimes be hit and miss, when she’s on, she’s on, and I hope that this season, she’s really on!
And of course, our two NZ signings, Maddie Green and Amelia Kerr, are really starting to find some form.
Amelia Kerr is my prediction for the Heat’s pick of the bowlers this year.
Other players I’m looking forward to seeing?
Katherine Brunt is back this year and I can’t wait to see her back in action. Marizanne Kapp is always great value - I just love her take-no-prisoners intensity.
I also have a soft spot for Sophie Devine. She’s so hard not to love, isn’t she? Such a great character on and off the field, it was so hard to watch her after the final ODI last week being so gracious in the face of such a huge defeat.
I think that’s what I love about women’s cricket the most. The unabashed intensity and the honest vulnerability and emotion the players show has really endeared them to fans.
It’s unfortunate that due to the forced scheduling this year, I won’t be able to watch as many of the games as I would like, but I’m so glad we’re getting a season at all.
For a great overall preview of the upcoming season, head over to The Roar.
And drop a comment below and let me know who you’re supporting this year and who your players to watch are.
We’re a mixed Sixers and Stars family. My daughter is in awe of Annabel Sutherland so she’s completely confused about who she goes for. Grace Harris is fantastic to watch and her commentary adds character to the game. She’s a game winner when she fires. I’ve just bought tickets to 3 days of WBBL. Triple headers and double headers. Georgia Wareham is my player to watch as well as Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Devine will as always be one of the best.