Georgia Voll given high praise by coach ahead of Heat’s WBBL final

TOOWOOMBA teenager Georgia Voll prepares for the biggest game of her career as Heat look to book Big Bash grand final berth.

Georgia Voll against the Sydney Sixers. (Photo: Matt King/Getty Images

CRICKET: Never in her wildest dreams did Georgia Voll think she’d be lining up on the biggest stage this year.

The 17-year-old Toowoomba teenager is preparing to play her role for the Brisbane Heat in their do-or-die Women’s Big Bash League semi-final against the Sydney Thunder on Thursday night.

It comes just three weeks after making her WBBL debut, moving her way up the batting order from eight to four.

Averaging 18.1 with the bat, Voll has never looked back since her maiden outing, solidifying her spot in the team ahead of the biggest game of her young career as the Heat ride high on the back of a seven-game winning streak.

“It’s been good to get back on track, get some wins under our belt and momentum heading into Thursday,” Voll said.

“We had a bit of a rocky start, but I’ve just tried to come in and do the best I can, and we’ve played really well as a team.

“We’ve spoken about just having no doubt and backing ourselves.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment. The game on Sunday (against the Renegades) was a bit tough, but other than that I’m feeling confident in myself and what I can put forward to the team.”

MAKING THE MOST OF BUBBLE LIFE

One of a number of players across the league still studying in high school, Voll has had the added pressure of completing work and exams while in the bubble.

“I had to do maths exam on the morning of my debut,” she said.

“I haven’t had much to do since then, just two assignments that are due next year.

WATCH: Emotions run high as Voll makes WBBL debut

“Most of the time has been spent with the girls, watching a few movies and stuff like that.

“When the bowlers have their team meetings, the batters talk about how we’re going to go about things. It’s been good to get a bit of info from the other girls.

“It’s also been good to take our minds off the game and get away from it for a bit.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Georgia Redmayne and Georgia Voll (right) celebrate a win over the Sydney Thunder. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

ULTIMATE PRAISE FROM COACH

Voll admits she was caught off guard from comments by Heat coach Ashley Noffke earlier this week.

The former Australian representative said it was “a given” that she would one day wear the green and gold.

“It was a bit of a surprise reading that article,” she said.
“A lot of hard work that has to go into it. It’s not just going to happen overnight.

“I have to keep putting my best foot forward, and it’s obviously one of my goals, but I’m just focusing on where I am now and performing well for the Heat.”

SUPPORT HASN’T GONE UNNOTICED

With more coverage than ever before, the WBBL has provided a fantastic showcase of the women’s game over the past five weeks.

Voll said the messages of support she’s received in the Sydney bubble from those north of the border have been a big boost for herself and the team.

“I’ve got a few messages from family and friends back home in Toowoomba and Brisbane,” she said.

“It’s good to see everyone watching, not only myself but the team. Everyone has been really getting around the girls and we’re keen to put in a good performance on Thursday night.”

The Heat’s semi final against the Thunder will be broadcast live and in HD on Fox Sports from 6pm on Thursday.

Originally published as Georgia Voll given high praise by coach ahead of Heat’s WBBL final