RODRIGUES TO MISS REST OF WBBL | Harris Back For Sixers Clash

Rodrigues returned home to India after the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes 10 days ago as part of a pre-arranged commitment where she was to be involved in Indian teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding last weekend.

However, the celebrations were subsequently postponed due to a health issue with Mandhana’s father.

Rodrigues will stay in India to support her teammate, and the Heat has agreed to her not returning for the final four games of the WBBL season.

Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said while disappointed that fans would not see more of Rodrigues playing for the Heat, the decision was made with her best interest at heart.

“It has obviously been a challenging time for Jemi, so while it is unfortunate that she will take no further part in the WBBL, we were more than willing to agree to her request to remain in India,’’ he said.

“The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future.

“Jemi told us she was disappointed not to be coming back and has passed on her appreciation to the club and the Heat fans for being so understanding of the circumstances. She has been in touch with the players and wished them all the best for the rest of their games,” Svenson said.

This was the second season that Rodrigues had signed with the Heat, after being the club’s number one pick at the International Player draft earlier this year.

Brisbane will take on the Sydney Sixers tomorrow at the Adelaide Oval in a WBBL double-header.

The Heat are chasing their first win of the tournament after a thrilling last-ball loss against the Adelaide Strikers at Karen Rolton Oval on Tuesday.

Allrounder Grace Harris returns to the Heat line after missing the game earlier this week as part of her workload management plan.

She replaces Lily Basssingthwaighte in the squad for the Sixers match.

The match will be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7Plus, Foxtel and streamed on Kayo.

Weber Women's Big Bash League
Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, Adelaide Oval
Tomorrow, 2.40pm Qld time
WBBL Heat Squad
21. Jess Jonassen (c)
7. Lucy Bourke
11. Sianna Ginger
5. Lucy Hamilton
44. Nicola Hancock
17. Grace Harris
48. Chinelle Henry (Int)
32. Nadine de Klerk (Int)
88. Charli Knott (v-c)
18. Annie O’Neil (LRP)
8. Georgia Redmayne
58. Lauren Winfield-Hill (IRP)
4. Mikayla Wrigley

In: Grace Harris (returns from managed workload requirements)
Out: Lily Bassingthwaighte (omitted)