Jess Jonassen has stepped down as captain of Brisbane Heat Women, bringing an end to a five-year leadership stint with the team. The Queensland cricket legend informed Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson of her decision last month after reflecting on her role and future with the side.
Jonassen, one of the most experienced players in Australian domestic cricket, took over the captaincy in 2020 from former skipper Kirby Short. Since then, she has led the Heat in 81 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) matches and also captained the Queensland Fire in 30 matches in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Her leadership period saw the team remain competitive while also developing several young players within the squad.
The announcement comes at a significant moment in Jonassen’s career, as she prepares to play her 100th WNCL match at Allan Border Field on March 14. The milestone highlights her long-standing contribution to Queensland cricket both as a player and a leader.
Jonassen had recently returned to action against New South Wales (NSW) Breakers after recovering from shoulder surgery that cut short her campaign in the WBBL earlier in the season. During her absence this WNCL, wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne stepped in as captain, guiding the team through those matches. Redmayne will continue in the leadership role for the remainder of the current WNCL season, while Jonassen focuses solely on her role as a player.
Speaking about her decision, Jonassen said it came after careful reflection in recent weeks. She admitted that she had initially planned to continue as captain but felt the recent tour to New South Wales helped her to think what was best for both her and the team.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Heat and Fire over the past five years and acknowledged the trust placed in her by the management and players. Jonassen added that she is now looking forward to finishing her career as a senior player who can contribute to the team by leading from within the group and supporting whoever takes on the captaincy next.
“I’m very much looking forward to finishing my career as a senior player who leads from within and will support whoever gets the opportunity to lead these teams next, Jess said.
Jonassen also thanked the coaching staff, including Mark Sorell and Jeff Thomas, along with all the people around for their continued support during her time as captain. She credited her family and her wife Sarah for helping her make the difficult decision, saying their encouragement reassured her that stepping down was the right move.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson praised Jonassen for her contribution and leadership, describing her as an influential figure within the organization. He highlighted the positive environment she helped create within the squad, both on and off the field.
Svenson also noted that the Queensland squad continues to have strong leadership options, including Redmayne and a group of emerging players such as Charli Knott, Georgia Voll, Sianna Ginger and Lucy Hamilton.
Although stepping down from captaincy marks the end of an important chapter, Jonassen’s role within the team remains significant. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, she is expected to continue playing a key role for both the Heat and the Fire as they approach the closing stages of the season and push for a place in the finals.
(Quotes sourced from Brisbane Heat press release)
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