In-form Meagan shows she’d be a big hit with Heat
TOWNSVILLE’S Meagan Dixon has set her sights on breaking into the Brisbane Heat Women’s Big Bash League squad after her late hitting fell just short of securing Queensland victory in the Australian Country Championships grand final in Shepparton yesterday.
Needing quick runs coming to the crease at 4-52 chasing Victoria’s 5-122, Dixon blasted 38 off 26 balls in an unbeaten 61-run partnership with Amy Riddell as Queensland finished on 4-113.
It’s the second straight year Queensland has had to settle for the runner-up trophy, but Dixon has stamped herself as a player to watch.
The 21-year-old also claimed 1-6 off four overs, including three maidens, in the semi-final win over Western Australia on Thursday. After making her debut for Queensland Fire in the 50-over Women’s National Cricket League in November, impressing Heat selectors is a key goal.
She believes backing herself more with the willow in hand is the way to achieve it.
“One hundred per cent (it’s a goal). This season I’ve been able to train with the girls so getting to see what they do has been a big step, and a big in- centive to make step,” Dixon said.
“Today I played with a bit more freedom, having to swing from ball one is probably more my game. If I can play with more fearlessness, I think the runs will come.”
Dixon said she’s been working hard on developing more variety in her bowling.
“In this period when the WBBL girls are away I’ve been able to develop some more that next variations with the ball, slower balls and off cutters, which I used this week,” she said.
“To lose to Victoria … and still make the grand final was a huge achievement for us.”
Queensland’s men’s team had a bye yesterday, but Townsville wicketkeeper Josh De Munari was expected to be a strong chance to be selected in the Australian Country XI team set to be announced overnight.