Birkett, Harris, Prestwidge re-signed by Brisbane Heat

Haidee Birkett, the medium pacer, Laura Harris, the batter, and Georgia Prestwidge, the pace bowler, have been re-signed by Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) champions Brisbane Heat.



The franchise made the announcement 50 days from the historic WBBL, which is being played as a standalone event for the first time. Birkett’s catch off the final ball of the semi-final helped her side advance to the final by beating Sydney Thunder, while Harris’ hit the winning run in the side’s first WBBL title.



 

Final ball. Five to win. Four for a Super Over. Spot in the Final up for grabs...

Then this happens! Haidee Birkett, take a bow! #WBBL04 | @CommBank pic.twitter.com/PYwI1lWUr4



— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2019

 



“Haidee has worked really hard on her variety, Laura is hitting the ball very cleanly and making excellent decisions with her batting and Georgia’s pace is probably the quickest she has been,” said Ashley Noffke, head coach of Heat.



“Their preparations with the Queensland Fire have been first-rate, as has been the case with all of the girls, which is a very encouraging sign.”



Just last week, Brisbane Heat announced their first overseas signing – White Ferns allrounder Amelia Kerr.







The reigning champions have announced 12 of their 15-member squad to play the fifth edition of the competition.



Squad so far: Haidee Birkett, Laura Harris, Georgia Prestwidge, Mikayla Hinkley, Courtney Sippel, Amelia Kerr (international), Sammy-Jo Johnson, Kirby Short, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney.