The Brisbane Heat have solidified their core for the future by locking down star allrounder Grace Harris to a two-year contract. This extension ensures Harris will continue to be a support in the teal jersey for another two Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) seasons, extending her impressive tenure with the club until 2026.
Harris has been a Heat player since the league’s inception (WBBL|01), with only a single season with the Melbourne Renegades interrupting her remarkable loyalty. Across her impressive 107 appearances for the Heat, she has amassed a total of 2451 runs, with three centuries and 12 half-centuries. Her bowling ability is equally noteworthy, with 60 wickets under her belt, including two four-wicket hauls.
Last summer, she stamped her name into WBBL folklore with a record-breaking knock of 136 not out from just 59 balls. This grand feat, achieved even with a broken bat, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The video of her six-hitting heroics became a viral sensation, gathering millions of views and shares across social media platforms.
Thrilled to secure her future with the Heat, Harris spoke about her excitement for the upcoming seasons. “The WBBL is an incredible competition, and being part of the Heat family is always thrilling,” she said. “We came tantalizingly close to the championship last season, and that motivates us to go all the way this time around. We have a lot of hard work ahead, but the girls are eager to make the pre-season count.”
Harris acknowledged the coaching transition with the departure of Ashley Noffke and the arrival of Mark Sorell. “While we’ll miss Ash’s guidance, I’m looking forward to working with ‘Motsa’ (Mark Sorell),” she stated. “He’s already had a significant impact on my game during training this week.”
Sorell, the newly appointed WBBL Heat coach, welcomed Harris’ re-signing as a major coup for the club. “Grace’s talent continues to flourish across all aspects of her game,” he said. “She’s an insightful leader who generously shares her knowledge with the team, especially the upcoming young players.”
Harris’ extension follows the recent WBBL International Player Draft order lottery, where Sorell expressed confidence in the Heat’s ability to leverage their draft picks effectively. With the seventh pick in the Platinum round, 15th in the Platinum-Gold band, and 18th in the Gold-Silver band, the Heat is strategically positioned to bolster their squad. The potential availability of a fourth pick adds to their options.
Sorell emphasized the importance of maximizing their opportunities during the Player Draft. “Our Player Draft strategy is nearing completion,” he revealed. “We anticipate some impactful selections from the Platinum and Gold bands once the final list of draftees is confirmed.”
With Harris’ experience and leadership secured for another two seasons, and a strategic approach to the Player Draft, the Brisbane Heat appears well-equipped for a strong showing in the upcoming WBBL seasons. The cricketing world eagerly awaits to see the ‘House of Harris’ continue to reign supreme.
