Brisbane Heat have brought leg-spinner Grace Parsons back for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL 12), which begins later this month. The 23-year-old was announced during the innings break of the opening Women’s ODI between Australia and Bangladesh at Allan Border Field. Parsons missed last season while regaining full fitness after taking a break from cricket.
Parsons previously played for the Heat in WBBL 10, taking 12 wickets at an average of 20.55 in her only Big Bash season to date. The Lismore product has earned another opportunity after returning to competitive cricket. Coach Mark Sorell believes her attacking wrist-spin will give Brisbane’s bowling attack a different option.
“Grace is an attacking bowler and a wrist spinner, so she gives our attack that extra point of difference,” Sorell said. He also praised her record across formats. “She has demonstrated she is a wicket-taker in whatever format she plays, and so we are very pleased to have her back in the Heat squad for this season.”
Sorell also recognised Parsons’ hard work during her return to cricket over the past 12 months. He recalled seeing her celebrate with Queensland teammates after their WNCL Final victory. “Full credit to her for the way she has made her way back to playing over the past 12 months. Grace has hung in there and worked hard, and it was a special moment to see her celebrating with her Queensland teammates after winning the WNCL Final at the end of the season,” Sorell said.
Parsons helped the Queensland Fire reach the WNCL Final and win the championship, taking 17 wickets in nine games, including her first five-wicket haul. The Heat will fill their final spot on the 15-player roster after the T20 Spring Challenge finishes in Sydney next week. Brisbane missed the WBBL Finals last season, the first time in eight seasons they had not featured in the deciders.
Brisbane Heat’s WBBL 12 squad so far:
Georgia Redmayne (C), Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucy Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Sarah Glenn (England), Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Annie O’Neil, Grace Parsons, Orla Prendergast (Ireland) and Mikayla Wrigley
Brisbane Heat WBBL 12 fixtures
All match times are Queensland local time
Friday, 30 October, 6:10 pm: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers, Allan Border Field.
Sunday, 1 November, 2:40 pm: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat, Drummoyne Oval.
Thursday, 5 November, 2:40 pm: Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat, Drummoyne Oval.
Saturday, 7 November, 6:10 pm: Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes, Allan Border Field.
Thursday, 12 November, 2:40 pm: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, Junction Oval.
Saturday, 14 November, 2:40 pm: Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat, Ninja Stadium.
Thursday, 19 November, 6:10 pm: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder, Allan Border Field.
Sunday, 22 November, 2:40 pm: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers, Allan Border Field.
Wednesday, 25 November, 6:10 pm: Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat, Junction Oval.
Sunday, 29 November, 11:00 am: Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide.
Parsons returns after a strong domestic season with Queensland. Her wickets helped the Fire win the WNCL title, while her earlier Big Bash season showed her ability to take wickets. Brisbane will complete its squad after the T20 Spring Challenge and will aim to return to the finals after missing out last season. Her return is a boost for the squad, and the Heat will hope she can carry her domestic form into the tournament while helping the team improve on last season’s result when the campaign begins once more.
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