Jonassen targets Australia return after World Cup axing

Jess Jonassen has taken her recent axing from Australia's T20 side hard but the Brisbane Heat skipper has vowed to make it back on the big stage by firing in this season's WBBL.

The 31-year-old allrounder was left out of the national side for the World Cup in the UAE after being part of the Australia squad for the previous six tournaments, dating back to 2012. She has won four finals and played a key role in the 2012 and 2020 deciders with three wickets against England and India respectively.

"I was very disappointed," Jonassen said of her recent omission.

"It was the first T20 World Cup in my career that I wasn't a part of and there were a lot of emotions to navigate during that time.

"I was thankful that I was able to play some (WNCL) cricket here for Queensland and share success with those girls as captain.

"(Missing out) is something I am still navigating through and this season it will pop up again. We have a big Ashes series coming up and India coming over as well.

"I just want to make the most of any opportunity I get in whatever jersey I am in."

Jonassen has not played ODI cricket for Australia since 2023 either.

While admitting she was "not a spring chicken anymore", the Heat skipper has no intention of waving the white flag with regards to her international career.

"I still feel as though I have so much more to give," Jonassen said.

"If I am making sure I am performing I will keep creating that conversation. Though it is not a motivator for me necessarily, I want to make the decision for selectors as hard as I possibly can.

"I want Australian team success but I want to have personal success as well.

"I am looking to hopefully have a bit more of an impact with the bat in the WBBL as well."

Jonassen has been in outstanding batting form for the Queensland Fire with recent scores of 89 and 73 not out. She is set to move up to No.4 for the Heat in the WBBL season opener against the defending champion Adelaide Strikers on Sunday in Adelaide.

The clash is a rematch of last season's WBBL final, won by the Strikers, but the Heat are confident ahead of the clash.

"I think it is a really good thing to be honest, coming off the back of the T20 Spring Challenge where we were able to get two wins over the Strikers and knock them out of the semi-finals," Jonassen said.

"Hopefully we can get three wins against them. We have been building nicely but they are a formidable side and defending champions. To have a grand final rematch to open season 10 of WBBL ... I think there will be a lot of fireworks."