Ash Barty making her mark at WBBL

Former tennis prodigy Ash Barty has proven she's no novelty act with an impressive innings for the Brisbane Heat in the opening match of the inaugural Women's Big Bash League.

Just four months after her first net session since making the switch to cricket, the 19-year-old showed on Saturday she's equally as handy with the willow.

She posted 39 off 27 balls, including a six, in the Heat's 20-run loss to the Melbourne Stars to open the tournament at Junction Oval.

Batting at No.6 in the Heat line-up, Barty was the second top-scorer for her side despite an "unorthodox" approach.

"I haven't really had time to get a set technique so I'm just going out there and having a swing so it was good to get some runs on the board," Barty said.

A dinner with the Australian women's team before their Ashes victory earlier in the year sparked Barty's interest and she was lured into cricket by the thought of playing a team sport and spending more time at home.

"It's been great in cricket to come into a team environment because it's the first time I've ever experienced it and I'm loving every moment," Barty said.

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"It was too much too quickly for me as I've been travelling from quite a young age.

"I wanted to experience life as a normal teenaged girl and have some normal experiences."

A former Wimbledon junior champion, ranked as high as No.129 on the women's professional tour, Barty is still involved in tennis as a coach and hasn't ruled out a return at some stage.

She said she hadn't set any goals in her new sport or a time frame.

"I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and just enjoy it and hopefully score a few runs."