Australian star Jonassen joins the Welsh Fire roster
WELSH Fire have confirmed the signing of Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen for The Hundred.
Jonassen, 27, becomes the fourth signing for Welsh Fire, who are led by Australia Women’s coach Matthew Mott.
Joining Jonassen will be her captain at international level, Meg Lanning, as well as the young English pair of Katie George and Bryony Smith.
Jonassen – who is ranked No.1 on the ICC’s list of ODI bowlers – said: “The Hundred is going to be a great competition and it’s going to be an exciting opportunity for the women’s game specifically.
“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the WBBL and watching that grow demonstrates that there’s real appetite for domestic women’s cricket, and I’m sure that will be the same in the UK.
“It will be good to link up with Matt Mott and Meg Lanning, obviously we all work together at international level, but I’m also really excited about playing alongside and getting to know some new faces, like Katie George and Bryony Smith.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of Welsh Fire and hopefully helping take the team forward.”
Meanwhile, Deandra Dottin, the first woman to score a Twenty20 International century, is heading to London Spirit, while Southern Brave have landed Windies captain Taylor, who currently sits second in the ICC’s oneday batting rankings.
Australians Rachael Haynes and Elyse Villani will play at Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets respectively and South Africa’s Mignon Du Preez joins fellow Proteas player Lizelle Lee at Manchester Originals.
Two franchises opted for homegrown talent as their latest acquisition, with one-time Yorkshire Diamonds player Alice Davidson-Richards agreeing terms with Northern Superchargers and Wolverhampton local Georgia Elwiss donning the colours of Birmingham Phoenix.
The remaining nine 11 places on each playing roster must be filled by May 31.