Jess Jonassen will be absent for Brisbane Heat during the entire Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season, following medical advice to rest her ongoing hip issue. Her recovery aims for a return in the new year, as the team seeks an international player as a temporary replacement, expected to be finalised before Friday’s opening match.
Reflecting on last year’s experiences, Jonassen remarked, “Last year I was managing a shoulder injury and tried to play through until it got too much for me and was having an effect on both my own and the team’s performances, as well as my mental health.” She added, “We considered whether playing through injury was available again, but the advice was to have this period of recovery now, so I can be available for the rest of the season.”
Jonassen plans to resume training in December, aiming to participate in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) match for Queensland scheduled on January 4. However, this may coincide with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, where she is anticipated to attract significant interest and bidding in the auction on October 28.
Heat’s coach, Mark Sorell, expressed the team’s support for Jonassen: “We’re obviously pretty devastated for JJ,” he said. “She has a good attitude to these sorts of things and naturally we’ll wrap our arms around her this week as we get ready to play.” The team will benefit from Jonassen’s experience during her recovery period.
Recently, Heat confirmed the signing of fast bowler Catherine White, completing their squad. They are set to face Sydney Sixers at home in their first match on October 30.
Jonassen has been integral to the Heat since the WBBL’s inception, appearing in 153 matches and taking 184 wickets, making her the leading wicket-taker in the league’s history for both men’s and women’s teams.
