Brisbane Heat will have to begin their Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 journey without one of their biggest names, Grace Harris, when they take on the defending champions Melbourne Renegades at Allan Border Field on November 9.
The charismatic allrounder, who was eyeing a World Cup appearance, injured her calf while fielding during Australia’s final ODI against India in September in the bilateral series. The setback forced her out of the national squad just days before the marquee tournament began. Harris has since been focusing on her recovery and is expected to be back on the field soon, with positive signs coming from her rehabilitation progress.
The Heat have also suffered another blow ahead of the season, with leg-spinner Grace Parsons ruled out for medical reasons. The 22-year-old was one of the standout bowlers in last year’s domestic season and featured for Queensland Fire in the 2024–25 WNCL final earlier this year, where she picked up three wickets in a strong spell.
Parsons, who made her WBBL debut last season, has already resumed light bowling in the nets and is likely to make a full return in early 2026. Her place in the Heat squad will be taken by Annie O’Neil, who recently moved from South Australia to Queensland and has already played for the Heat in pre-season matches.
Adding strength to the team’s lineup, world champion Jemimah Rodrigues has joined the squad and is available for the November 9 clash. Rodrigues, fresh off celebrating India’s World Cup triumph, landed in Brisbane on November 8 and will have limited time to prepare before the opening match.
The Heat have also named South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, who impressed with her mighty power hitting in the recently concluded World Cup, and West Indies power-hitter Chinelle Henry.
Their opponents, Melbourne Renegades, have injury concerns of their own. Regular captain Sophie Molineux will miss the first two matches as a precaution to manage her workload, with Georgia Wareham stepping in as skipper.
The Renegades’ squad also includes exciting English teenager Davina Perrin, who could make her WBBL debut, alongside international stars Alice Capsey and Deandra Dottin.
Melbourne Renegades squad v Heat:
Georgia Wareham (C), Charis Bekker, Alice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (WK), Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Davina Perrin, Naomi Stalenberg, Courtney Webb
Brisbane Heat squad v Renegades:
Jess Jonassen (C), Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucy Bourke, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Chinelle Henry, Charli Knott, Annie O’Neil, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues
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