Brisbane Heat sign up Charli Knott and Lily Mills

The players still play at the grassroots levels and with these signings, Brisbane Heat is not shying away from giving chance to the youngsters.

Mills started playing cricket at a very young age. At 11 years she got an opportunity at Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club, her junior club where she honed her skills as a player.

“I got hooked on cricket when I watched the Ashes with my Dad," Mills said.

James Anderson was one player who Mills was fond of growing up and seeing him bowl was the ultimate thing for her.

“I was recovering from an accident where I lost two teeth and because it was painful at night sometimes, Dad would sit with me. I remember watching Jimmy Anderson bowling and thinking this was something I wanted to do.”

Expectedly, the signing left Mills ecstatic, to say the least. She is hoping the growth in women's cricket in Australia is a sign of good things to come in the future.

“The growth in girl’s and women’s cricket is so exciting to see and especially to see that there is a women’s team now at my old club. I started playing alongside the boys and but the girls now can play together and that is very encouraging."

Knott has earned her second stint with the Heat. The teen sensation aged just 16 is still in school. She goes to Brisbane State High School.

Ashley Noffke, the Heat coach, is very excited to have the two young turks on board.

“Lilly is a very promising spinner and adds something to our depth. Charli is developing nicely and we are very pleased she has agreed to terms again,” he said.

Brisbane Heat kick off the WBBL campaign on October 19 against Sydney Sixers, at the North Sydney Oval.

Brisbane Heat squad so far: Lilly Mills, Charli Knott, Haidee Birkett, Laura Harris, Georgia Prestwidge, Mikayla Hinkley, Courtney Sippel, Amelia Kerr (overseas), Sammy-Jo Johnson, Kirby Short, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney.