India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia will return to Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) after Brisbane Heat signed her as a replacement for injured veteran Jess Jonassen, finalising their squad ahead of the new season.

Source: IANS

Jonassen, Brisbane's most-capped player and a former captain, has been sidelined by a hip complaint. The 25-year-old Bhatia becomes Brisbane's third overseas signing for WBBL 12, alongside England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast, and the only Indian cricketer in this year's competition.

Source: MyKhel

Bhatia is expected to link up with the team before their second fixture against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday and will remain available for the rest of the tournament. The Heat open their campaign against the Sydney Sixers in Brisbane on Friday night.

Source: IANS

Heat head coach Mark Sorrell welcomed the signing. "Being able to sign such a quality, experienced international player so close to the tournament is great boost for us. We will miss Jess (Jonassen) of course, but it is reassuring to bring in another strong scoring left-hander into our batting line-up. Yastika (Bhatia) has good experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field, so we are confident she will fit in nicely with the group," Sorrell said, according to IANS.

Source: IANS

Bhatia previously represented Melbourne Stars in WBBL 10, playing six matches, and has made 58 appearances for India across formats. She returned to competitive cricket after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September last year, an injury that ruled her out for nearly 18 months including India's maiden ODI World Cup title campaign, and in July she became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's, in India's 270-run win over England.

Source: CricTracker