The long-time Merriwa residents are two very proud grandparents, following the news that their granddaughter Jessica Jonassen will represent Australia in cricket at the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this month.

While the all-rounder’s parents now live in Queensland, her mother Jayne was born and raised in the Upper Hunter.

Jonassen’s father, Ray, was also the CEO of Merriwa and Scone hospitals.

In fact, Merriwa can lay claim to helping Jonassen’s playing career, according to Mrs Towler.

“I have a photo of her in our backyard showing the kids how to hold a bat,” she told the Hunter Valley News.

“She’s left-handed and a spin bowler – like our son, and her uncle, David.

“We’re very proud of her, as we are with all the children in our family.”

Jonassen has been a member of the national side, the Southern Stars, for the past three seasons.

She also represented the Queensland Fire, who captured the Women’s National League T20 final.

That encounter was a curtain-raiser to the men’s Big Bash decider, which was won by the Perth Scorchers.

The 21-year-old, who averages 37 with the bat and 23.72 with the ball in the short form of the game, played at the previous T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012.

The Southern Stars defeated England in the final and Jonassen took three wickets in that match.

She also featured in the recent Ashes series against England in Australia. 

“We watched those T20 fixtures, which were played in Hobart, Sydney and Melbourne,” Mrs Towler said.

“But, unfortunately, we won’t get to see her in action in Bangladesh – it’s on Fox Sports.

“I’m sure her mum (Jayne), or our grandchildren, will keep us up to date, especially with the Cricket Australia website.

“Jessica’s Southern Stars have been going very well recently.

“I think they’ll do alright in Bangladesh too.”