Veteran du Preez set to turn up the Heat on WBBL rivals

South African batter Mignon du Preez can't wait to be among the runs for WBBL team Brisbane Heat. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Former South Africa captain Mignon du Preez is relishing the prospect of creating havoc with Brisbane Heat's swashbuckling Harris sisters in the upcoming WBBL season.

The 34-year-old dynamic middle-order batter joined the Heat as a direct nomination for this WBBL season, after previously scoring 2292 tournament runs for the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars in six seasons at a strike rate of 114.

She retired from international cricket last year after 15 years at the top, including a long stint as South African skipper.

"I have played against the Harris sisters (Grace and Laura) and they have smacked the ball all over the place," du Preez told AAP after flying into Brisbane on Wednesday.

Sisters Grace (left) and Laura Harris
Sisters Grace (left) and Laura Harris are hoping for a big season for WBBL side Brisbane Heat.

"I’ve been on the receiving end of that, so it will be nice to be in their team for a change and not playing against them. 

"The Heat have been in the top four teams nearly every competition I have played in the Big Bash and I have always admired them.

"They looked like a bunch of girls that enjoy each other's company on and off the field ... and teal is my favourite colour."

Du Preez has been named in the Heat's squad of 14 to play three away games to start the competition, beginning with the clash against the Melbourne Renegades on Friday.

While not playing for South Africa anymore, she has still featured in plenty of cricket in other leagues around the world.

The veteran intends to play for the Heat with the aggressive approach that has been her trademark.

"I have been playing cricket since I was four years old and it is probably the only thing I know," du Preez said.

"It was one of the hardest decisions to step away from international cricket, but once you know the time is right, you just know.

"I know it is close to the end of my career, and I intend to have as much fun as possible with the Heat.

"I played in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and the FairBreak Invitational tournament earlier this year. 

"Recently in South Africa our domestic structure got professionalised and I am contracted there and played over the weekend."

Du Preez had been in chats with Heat head coach Ashley Noffke and star batter Georgia Redmayne about joining the team for the past two years.

Brisbane Heat wicketkeeper Georgia Redmayne
Brisbane Heat wicketkeeper Georgia Redmayne is delighted by the recruitment of Mignon du Preez.

Her new teammates are excited about what du Preez has to offer.

"I am so stoked. I’ve been sending her some sly messages to try and get her over for a few years," Redmayne told AAP.

"Mignon is a super player and a super teammate to have around the group as well.

"She is probably the leading run-scorer against the Heat, so it is nice to have her on our side."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store