FROM ROOKIE TO MENTOR IN NO TIME

The Heat announced 15-yearold Mackay product Charli Knott would join the squad for WBBL04. What is it like having a mix of different ages in the team and, even though you’re only 22 yourself. Do you take on a mentor role with the younger players?

You want to look after them, but you also don’t want to baby them because they need to find their own place in the side and learn a bit about themselves as well – but you definitely do take care of them. We spend enough time with them at a club cricket level as well, so we’re already approachable and friends with them. When the younger girls come into our group, it’s about showing them that they need to be willing to do the hard work, but also that we are always there to help pick them up if and when they need a hand. Our group is quite good at coaching each other as well, so it’s not just the coaches that provide feedback, give advice and talk through strategic plans. We all talk to each other and if they’ve got an ear in that conversation I think that’s really beneficial for them.