Australian skipper and world No.1-rated batter Meg Lanning will be joined by her younger sister Anna in the Melbourne Stars when they open the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) against Brisbane Heat on Saturday.

The teams will play two back-to-back matches at the Junction Oval in Melbourne to kick off the inaugural Twenty20 competition, which has attracted many of the world’s best players.

A local derby with the Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder follows at the Howell Oval in Penrith on Sunday.

Meg, 22, said she was excited about having her sister, who is exactly two years younger, in the line-up.

Anna is an all-rounder, although has been focusing on batting this year with her Victorian club side.

“It’s fantastic that she’s been able to join me playing at the Stars as we really enjoy playing together,” Meg said.

“Hopefully she can move through the ranks with more experience at the top level.”

The Lanning duo will be put to the test by England fast bowler Kate Cross, who has signed with the Heat.

Cross starred for England in their Ashes series loss to Australia and captured headlines as the first female to play in the Central Lancashire League, where she claimed figures of 8-47 for her team Henley.

Cross said it was exciting to play among the best in the world and she was looking forward to proving the women’s game was just as entertaining as the men’s version.

“We’ve got a stage to showcase our product and as you know we don’t get a lot of airtime,” Cross said.

“I think it’s something that’s been needed. I think it’s something that’s been a long time coming and Australia’s put it all together … it’s going to be a great competition.”

The first of the Stars-Heat games is at 10.30am and entry is free.

AAP