Jess Jonassen ready to deliver for Brisbane Heat in do-or-die WBBL battle with Sydney Thunder

Jess Jonassen has bounced back in style from her omission from Australia’s T20 Women’s World Cup squad.

After some “soul-searching” following her axing from the Australian team, Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen says she is “enjoying” her cricket again.

The star spin-bowling all-rounder has been on the selection outer at national level for most of the year and was a notable omission from Australia’s T20 Women’s World Cup squad that failed to defend its crown in the United Arab Emirates last month.

However, she has bounced back impressively to guide the in-form Heat to the WBBL Challenger Final against Sydney Thunder on Friday night at Allan Border Field, where the winner will qualify for Sunday’s competition decider against the Melbourne Renegades at the MCG.

See you on Friday @ThunderBBL 🤜#WBBL10pic.twitter.com/XxPYOz4DXB

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) November 27, 2024

“Having found myself out of the Australian side, there was a little bit of soul-searching and just getting back to my roots, and what I actually enjoyed about cricket in the first place,” 32-year-old Jonassen said.

“I just look to have a positive impact, whatever team I’m a part of, whatever jersey I’m (wearing) as opposed to searching for an answer that might not even be there.

“I’m just enjoying my cricket, and enjoying being out on the park and playing, wherever that is, whoever its for.

“I’m just really loving it at the moment.”

Jonassen’s sustained form over several years has also led to her being named in the WBBL’s team of the decade, which was announced on Thursday as part of the competition’s 10-year anniversary celebrations.

“To be recognised in that way is a huge honour, and it shows that across a significant period of time, my contributions have been valued across the board,” she said.

“I’ve always worked hard on my game, and I’ve always put in a lot behind the scenes. not only from a physical or a skill point of view, but from a mental point of view as well.”

Heat squad: Jess Jonassen, Georgia Redmayne, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Jemimah Rodrigues, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley.