The Hobart Hurricanes have received a welcome boost ahead of tomorrow's WBBL clash against Brisbane Heat at Ninja Stadium, with English spinner Linsey Smith returning from injury.
Smith has been sidelined since suffering a quad injury on the eve of WBBL|12, ruling her out of the defending champions' opening five matches of the tournament.
The experienced left-arm spinner was a key contributor to Hobart's historic championship triumph last summer, claiming 15 wickets to finish as the Hurricanes' second-leading wicket-taker.
Her return provides another valuable bowling option for the Hurricanes as they look to turn around a frustrating start to their title defence and keep their finals hopes alive.
Smith replaces Chamari Athapaththu in the 13-player squad for Hobart's annual Pride Round match.
The Sri Lankan captain was retired in her last outing against Adelaide, with Coach Jude Coleman admitting the decision was one of the toughest conversations she has faced in her time at the helm.
“To be honest it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make as a coach,” Coleman said.
“But no one’s position is safe in the team, no matter who you are. It’s hard as an international player, you come over here and the expectations are so high, I feel for her.
“We are just trying to throw our support around her as best we can.”
The Hurricanes will be looking to make the most of home-ground advantage against the Heat, with the two sides having already met at Allan Border Field a week ago.
HURRICANES SQUAD v HEAT
- Nicola Carey (c)
- Heather Graham
- Maddy Green
- Chinelle Henry
- Ruth Johnston
- Lizelle Lee
- Isa Malgioglio
- Kate Pelle
- Hayley Silver-Holmes
- Lauren Smith
- Linsey Smith
- Molly Strano
- Rachel Trenaman
Match Details:
Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat
Saturday 14 November 2026
Ninja Stadium, Hobart
- First ball: 3:40pm AEDT
- Gates Open: 2:40pm AEDT
- Broadcast: Fox Cricket
- Livestream: Kayo Sports