JESS JONASSEN

There’s a reason why Jess Jonassen is rated by the ICC as the No.1 bowler in ODI cricket at the moment - she takes wickets. Jonassen’s slow left arm spin is a crucial component of Australia’s bowling attack, with 113 wickets in 74 ODIs. Her career average is a staggering 19.97, and it only drops slightly to 20.37 in Australian conditions. But, it’s against England where Jonassen has perhaps struggled more than any other nation. Her 22 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 26.72, is only better than her average of 27.53 when she has bowled to India. It isn’t just her ability to take key wickets that sets Jonassen apart in the ODI arena, but her economy rate is just 3.95. Against England this rises to 4.51 her worst record against any nation. While Jonassen might not have her greatest record against England, her return from stress injury in her leg after missing the India series last year will significantly boost Australia’s bowling stocks. In the WBBL she immediately found her groove to finish the season with 17 wickets at a strike rate of 16.88 and economy rate of 6.52.

This is comparable to her international record in T20s, where she is currently sixth on the ICC rankings.

The 29-year-old has taken 74 wickets in 85 T20s for Australia at an average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 5.43.

Her record against England is again marginally behind, with 18 wickets in 22 clashes at 25.88 and an economy rate of 6.28.

Despite what history has shown, this is Jonassen’s chance to shine on home soil for Australia.

- Todd Balym