In a significant blow to the Brisbane Heat, captain Jess Jonassen will miss the remainder of the 11th Women’s Big Bash League season due to shoulder surgery.
The 33-year-old left-arm spin bowling all-rounder has been battling an aggravating AC joint issue in her right shoulder, which has worsened during the ongoing tough campaign for the Heat. Currently anchored at the bottom of the points table with just 1 point from 7 matches, including 6 losses and a washed-out game, the Heat’s hopes for a first win this season have dimmed considerably following Jonassen’s diagnosis.
Jonassen’s impact for Brisbane Heat in WBBL 11, though limited by injury, includes 5 wickets at an average of 33.40 and an economy rate of 8.35 across 6 innings (7 matches total). With the bat, she has scored 94 runs at a healthy strike rate of 117.50 and an average of 15.66. These modest numbers in the current tournament contrast with her outstanding overall WBBL career: over 154 matches, she has taken 184 wickets at an impressive average of 19.56 and economy of 6.65, including 7 four-wicket hauls. With the bat, Jonassen has amassed 2,345 runs at an average of 24.42 with 6 half-centuries, maintaining a strike rate above 116.
The Heat’s medical staff have recommended an open excision of the AC joint to allow full recovery and prevent further deterioration, sidelining Jonassen for approximately three months. This timeline leaves open the possibility she could return for the latter stages of the Women’s National Cricket League, where Queensland currently leads the table.
🚨 Jess Jonassen ruled out of the remainder of WBBL 11!
In her absence, Charli Knott will step up as captain.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/ULnSqRnLfq
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 29, 2025
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Jonassen’s commitment, noting the team’s efforts to manage her condition throughout the competition. “While Jess is recovering, Charli Knott will captain the side for the remaining three games,” Svenson confirmed. Knott, who has served as vice-captain this season and led Australia A earlier in the year, will lead the Heat for the first time in the upcoming match against the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval.
Jonassen reflected on her disappointment but remained positive about her recovery and the team’s spirit: “It has certainly been a challenging time, but I’m determined to bounce back and play some more good cricket once I have fully recovered. I’m proud of the team’s fight, and I’m sure they’ll finish on a high note.”
The Heat’s woes have been compounded by the mid-season release of Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues, the impending departure of South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk after Sunday’s game, and injury management for Grace Harris. With the captain now sidelined, Brisbane face a tough fight to end their winless streak in WBBL 11.
The loss of Jess Jonassen not only weakens Brisbane’s bowling attack but also removes a key senior bat and leadership presence as they aim to regroup under new skipper Charli Knott and salvage some pride in the closing rounds.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Australia Official Press Release).
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