Brisbane Heat recruit has fond memories of Allan Border Field

Former Melbourne Renegades star Danni Wyatt is hoping for a successful return to Allan Border Field.

English top-order batter Danni Wyatt makes her return to Allan Border Field on Tuesday night, and this time she will be a friend, rather than a foe, of the Brisbane Heat.

A former Renegades star, Wyatt has in the past proven a thorn in the Heat’s side, most notably in November 2019 when she scored 87 from 55 balls and took 2-26 with her off-spinners at Allan Border Field to lead the Melbourne team to a six-wicket win over Brisbane.

“I look back at that match, where I was full of confidence, and I’ll try to take that into (Tuesday’s) game,” she said.

“I’ve played here a few times – it’s a really nice batting wicket.”

The Heat, which has won three of its first four matches of the new WBBL season, meets the Sydney Thunder, who have tasted victory just once this campaign.

It will be the first time the Heat have played at the recently redeveloped AB Field since winning the 2019 final.

Brisbane Heat stars Danni Wyatt (left) and Pooja Vastrakar are ready to take on the Melbourne Renegades. Picture: Richard Walker

“We’re near the top of the table, which is a great sight,” Wyatt said.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with this group of talented youngsters, and the likes of Grace (Harris) and (captain) ‘JJ’ (Jess Jonassen) as well.

“(Coach) Ashley Noffke’s done a great job here. To have competition in the squad is great.

“It’s a great headache to have.”

Thunder coach Trevor Griffin said: “We always expect a good game against the Heat. While no game is easy in the WBBL, the one thing you know about Brisbane Heat is that they will keep coming at you.”

Heat squad: Jess Jonassen (c), Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Ellie Johnston, Amelia Kerr, Charli Knott, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Pooja Vastrakar, Georgia Voll, Danni Wyatt.

Thunder squad: Sam Bates, Tammy Beaumont, Jess Davidson, Rachael Haynes (c), Saskia Horley, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Amy Jones, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Lea Tahuhu, Belinda Vakarewa, Tahlia Wilson.

Originally published as Brisbane Heat recruit has fond memories of Allan Border Field