LEEDS — Yorkshire Women have secured a major coup ahead of their inaugural Tier One season in 2026, announcing the signing of Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen on a two-year deal. The move marks a significant statement of intent from the county as they prepare to compete at the highest level of domestic women’s cricket in England.
Jonassen, a seasoned campaigner with over 200 international appearances for Australia, brings a wealth of experience to Yorkshire. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner and middle-order batter has been a cornerstone of Australia’s dominance in white-ball cricket, winning multiple World Cups and Ashes series. Her signing is seen as a transformative acquisition for Yorkshire’s fledgling Tier One squad.
A Proven Match-Winner
Jonassen is no stranger to English conditions, having previously played in the Women’s Hundred for Welsh Fire and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for Sunrisers. Her ability to deliver under pressure makes her an invaluable asset. Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Darren Gough, emphasized her impact: "Jess is a world-class player who changes games with both bat and ball. Her leadership will be crucial for our young squad."
Key strengths Jonassen brings to Yorkshire:
- Economical bowling (career T20I economy of 5.62)
- Clutch batting (7 ODI fifties, often in high-pressure situations)
- Elite fielding, with 72 international catches
Strategic Vision for 2026
Yorkshire’s head of women’s cricket, James Carr, outlined the long-term strategy behind the signing: "This isn’t just about on-field performance. Jess will mentor our emerging players like Lauren Winfield-Hill and Bess Heath. Her professionalism sets the standard we want across our program." The two-year contract allows Jonassen to contribute to both the 2026 Tier One launch and the 2027 season.
The Tier One Context
The ECB’s restructuring of women’s domestic cricket will see Yorkshire compete in the new eight-team Tier One competition, replacing the regional structure. Jonassen’s signing signals Yorkshire’s ambition to challenge established powerhouses like Southern Vipers and The Blaze. Her experience in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with Brisbane Heat provides insights into franchise cricket dynamics.
Jonassen’s Excitement
In her first interview since signing, Jonassen told Yorkshire’s media team: "I’ve followed England’s domestic growth closely. The chance to help build something special at a historic club like Yorkshire was irresistible. The Tier One vision aligns perfectly with my goals." She also praised the county’s facilities, including the £10m redevelopment of Headingley’s women’s high-performance center.
The Australian’s arrival addresses Yorkshire’s need for spin depth after losing Sophie Ecclestone to Thunder. Jonassen’s record against top-order batters (87 wickets in 109 T20Is) complements their pace attack led by Katherine Brunt. Analysts suggest her partnership with young off-spinner Lizzie Scott could become a Tier One standout.
Global Cricket Impact
This signing continues the trend of Australian stars shaping English domestic cricket, following Meg Lanning’s stint with London Spirit and Alyssa Healy’s tenure at Northern Diamonds. Cricket Australia granted Jonassen a No Objection Certificate (NOC), reflecting strengthened collaboration between boards. Yorkshire’s CEO, Stephen Vaughan, noted: "This deal shows our global reach. Jess had multiple offers but chose Yorkshire for our project’s authenticity."
The financial terms remain undisclosed, but industry sources suggest it’s among the most lucrative domestic contracts in women’s cricket outside franchise leagues. Yorkshire’s commercial team secured backing from principal sponsor Emerald Publishing to fund the deal, demonstrating growing corporate investment in women’s sport.
What It Means for Yorkshire
Beyond cricket, Jonassen’s profile boosts Yorkshire’s community initiatives. She’ll participate in:
- Schools coaching programs across Leeds and Sheffield
- The county’s "Women’s Cricket Week" in 2025
- Commercial activations with kit supplier Nike
Head coach Danni Wyatt (no relation to the England player) highlighted the cultural fit: "Jess’ work ethic is legendary. When we FaceTimed her at 5am Australian time to discuss tactics, she was already analyzing our squad videos. That dedication lifts everyone."
With 18 months until their Tier One debut, Yorkshire plan further signings. Jonassen’s arrival may attract other internationals, with rumors linking South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp to the county. The Australian’s first appearance could come in September’s Charlotte Edwards Cup, pending WBBL commitments.
Conclusion
Yorkshire’s capture of Jess Jonassen represents a landmark moment in their women’s cricket journey. As BBC Sport’s cricket correspondent noted: "This is the kind of signing that shifts perceptions. Yorkshire aren’t just participating in Tier One – they’re building to win it." For fans, the countdown to 2026 just got exponentially more exciting.