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Opinion
Georgia Voll is one of the Brisbane Heat’s brightest young stars. At just 17 years old, the all-rounder is in her second season with the Heat and also made her debut for the Queensland Fire in the WNCL in 2020.
But cricket isn’t the only sport that Voll enjoys.
“When I was younger I played rugby league, but at age 12 we were told that we couldn’t play with the boys anymore, so I had to find a new sport,” said Voll.
“I tried cricket and I haven’t stopped playing since.”
Voll loves the competitive nature of the game and in particular that while cricket is technically a team sport, it’s extremely individual at the same time.
“Batting is a good example of the individual nature of cricket because you only get one chance,” said Voll
“It’s such a competitive sport, but you also have to come together as a team to get the result.
“It’s actually quite an amazing sport when you think about it like that, it’s an individual sport but you have to work alongside your teammates to get the job done.”
Speaking of her teammates, Brisbane have a number of new faces in the squad this year including Ellie Johnston, Poonam Yadav and Zoe Cooke.
In particular, Yadav has been an exciting signing, following her recent form for India in their series against Australia. Fans may also recognise Yadav from her performance on the opening night of the ICC T20 World Cup, where she wreaked havoc on Australia’s top order, taking 4-19 including the key scalps of Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Rachael Haynes.
“Poonam is a bit of a character. She came in and she has been roasting a few people, which is quite funny,” said Voll.
“She calls me ‘the naughty one’. I’m not really sure where that came from or how to take that, it makes me wonder what she has heard.”
But for Voll, key to the Heat’s success, including winning back-to-back titles in WBBL04 and WBBL05, is the squad’s ability to come together.
“People feel welcome when they come into our team for the first time and that is one of the best things about this group,” said Voll.
“It’s been really nice to be with everyone and around everyone over the last few weeks.
“You can tell that we love playing together as a group and getting around each other.
“I think that has a major impact on how the team goes and to be honest, I think it’s had a major impact on the way we have started this season.”
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
After losing their first match against the Perth Scorchers in a super over, the Queenslanders beat the Scorchers two days later by 59 runs, and got over the Adelaide Strikers by five runs on Sunday.
Voll has contributed with the willow but is confident she can continue to improve as the season continues.
“I’m happy with the way I am batting at the moment,” said Voll.
“The plan is to ease myself into the tournament and not put myself under too much pressure.
“We have plenty more games so I’m backing myself and looking to see what I can do to help the team get across the line.”
But it’s not just cricket Voll has to focus on, with the teenager currently completing her year 12 exams. A few other teenagers in the squad have given her a gentle push to keep studying.
“I’ve been made to do some study with the others whilst I have been here, so having them here has probably helped me a bit,” said Voll.
“I’ve said ‘no’ a few times, but I keep getting dragged down to do some work which has probably been handy in the end.”
Voll isn’t sure what she wants to do when she finishes school, but admits that the door hasn’t completely closed on her winter-sport career.
“I still really enjoy rugby league and because I’m from Toowoomba, I naturally gravitate towards the Brisbane Broncos, especially when the women are playing,” said Voll.
“But I’m in a really good place with my cricket right now so I want to see where it takes me.”