Sydney Sixers have secured a major boost ahead of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12 by re-signing 38-year-old all-rounder Erin Burns on a one-year deal, ensuring the Wollongong product remains a cornerstone of the franchise as it builds for another title tilt in the tournament running from 29 October to 5 December 2026.
A foundation member of the Sixers program since WBBL 03, Burns has become synonymous with the club’s identity, bringing experience, leadership, and a rare versatility that few can match in the women’s game. Over a domestic career spanning more than 15 years, she has played 127 WBBL matches, scoring 1,774 runs at a strike rate of 113.93, including seven half-centuries. Her 65 trademark catches underline her reliability in the field, while her off-spin has yielded 40 wickets at an average of 22.35 and an economy of 7.02 across 55 innings.
This latest extension puts Erin Burns on track to play her 100th match for the Sixers in WBBL 12, having already made 98 appearances in Magenta, a milestone that speaks volumes about her longevity and loyalty.
Burns’ return last season captured global attention when she came back to WBBL action just three months after giving birth to her daughter, Nina. Balancing elite sport and motherhood throughout the campaign, she demonstrated why she remains one of the most admired figures in <a href="https://cricket.international/yastika-bhatias-112-in-vain-as-australia-a-women-chase-339-to-beat-india-a-by-two-wickets/” title=”Yastika Bhatia's 112 in Vain as Australia A Women Chase 339 to Beat India A by Two Wickets”>Australian cricket. Her resilience and professionalism have not only inspired teammates but also resonated deeply with fans, with both Nina and her son Jack becoming beloved parts of the Sixers family.
Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes highlighted Burns’ impact beyond the numbers. “Burnsy embodies everything we want our club to stand for; she’s an outstanding performer, a respected leader and someone who makes everyone around her better,” Haynes said. “Her return to professional cricket last season while balancing motherhood was incredibly inspiring. Her contributions on the field, her mentorship of younger players and the energy she brings to our environment mean we’re absolutely delighted to have her back for WBBL 12.”
For Burns, the decision to stay was heartfelt. “The Sixers have been such a big part of my life and career, so I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pull on the Magenta again this summer,” she said. “We have a great mix of experience and young talent, and I can’t wait to get back alongside the girls and see what this group can achieve together.” She added, “Our members and fans have always shown me and my family so much support, and I’m looking forward to representing them again this season.”
The Sixers, led by skipper Ashleigh Gardner, finished second on the points table in WBBL 11 with 13 points from 10 games, six victories, three defeats, and one washed-out fixture. Their campaign ended in the Challenger with an 11-run loss to Sophie Devine’s Perth Scorchers in 2025, but the core remains intact and hungry for redemption.
Burns’ re-signing adds crucial experience and versatility to a squad that already features England internationals Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, alongside global stars like Amelia Kerr and Ellyse Perry. As the Sixers continue to build their roster for WBBL 12, Burns’ presence ensures a blend of stability, mentorship, and match-winning ability that could prove decisive in their pursuit of the title.
With her 100th Sixers match looming and her role as a cultural and competitive pillar firmly established, Erin Burns’ return is more than a signing; it’s a statement of intent from a franchise ready to go one step further in 2026 in their bid for their 3rd WBBL title.
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Source: femalecricket.com
