Smriti India's 2nd women cricketer to sign Big Bash contract

Brisbane Heat has signed Smriti for the second edition of Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Earlier this year, India's vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur was roped in by Sydney Thunders.

"I am looking forward very much to working with the Australian girls in the Brisbane Heat squad after playing against them last season.

"That was a good series. I had noticed that there was a definite difference between their preparation and ours so I'm keen on learning from them," she told ESPNCricinfo.

"I'm interested in areas like fitness,  how they train for a series like the WBBL and the way they work on their fielding. It will be exciting to live in a different city, meet new people and of course, travel around Australia again," India's opening batter added.

During India's tour of Australia earlier in the year, Mandhana struck her maiden ton, which was followed up with scores of 55, 55 and 46 in her next three ODIs. She also played crucial knocks of 29 and 22 in India's first T20I series win Down Under.

Mandhana made her India debut back in 2013 against Bangladesh. She has played 20 T20Is so far, having scored 321 runs at an average of 18.88.

Meanwhile, she has a better record in the 50-over format. From 20 ODIs, she has scored 645 runs at an average of 32.25.

According to the rules of the WBBL, an international player with two caps is allowed in the playing XI. The 2016-17 edition will be played from December 10 to January 28.

• Smriti Mandhana
• Women's Big Bash League
• WBBL
• WBBL 2016-17
• Brisbane Heat
• Indian women's cricket team
• Women cricketers
• Australia