Daijiworld Media Network - Brisbane

Brisbane, Oct 28: India women’s wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been named as Jess Jonassen’s replacement in the Brisbane Heat squad for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season after the South African all-rounder was ruled out due to a hip complaint.

Brisbane Heat Women confirmed that Jonassen would miss the entire season following medical advice. Her absence has prompted the franchise to bring in Bhatia, who has previously featured in the WBBL for Melbourne Stars.

The upcoming season will mark Bhatia’s first stint with Brisbane Heat. She is expected to join the squad before the team’s second match of the season against Sydney Thunder. Bhatia will also be the only Indian player competing in the tournament.

Brisbane Heat head coach Mark Sorrell welcomed the signing, describing the addition of an experienced international player as a boost for the team, while acknowledging Jonassen’s absence.

“Being able to sign such a quality, experienced international player so close to the tournament is a great boost for us. We will miss Jess, of course, but it is reassuring to bring in another strong-scoring left-hander into our batting line-up. Yastika has good experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field, so we are confident she will fit in nicely with the group,” Sorrell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Bhatia has represented India in 26 women’s T20 internationals, scoring 374 runs at an average of 19.68. She will look to make an impact with Brisbane Heat as she begins a new chapter in her WBBL career.