Central Sparks is delighted to announce that Australian international Erin Burns has signed for the club.
Burns, who has made several appearances for Australia, is set to appear for the Sparks in both the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy and Charlotte Edwards cup this summer.
The 34-year-old, has gaining caps for her country, while previously playing for Sydney Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes and Wellington Blaze - as well as Birmingham Phoenix and Manchester Originals in the Hundred.
While playing domestic cricket to a very high level down under, Burns then made her first appearance for Australia in 2012, and her caps stretched through until 2019.
Her illustrious WBBL [Women's Big Bash League] career has spanned across nine years, playing the first three editions for the Hobart Hurricanes, before signing for the Sydney Sixers. Burns also has a contract playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this year, in the women's IPL [Indian Premier League].
The batting all-rounder is due to meet up with her new teammates early next month, while staying until the end of July to compete with the Sparks in the two domestic competitions.
On signing with the West Midlands-based club, Burns said: “I am so excited to join up with the Central Sparks for this upcoming season.
“I cannot wait to sink my teeth into a full season over in the UK this year; and I’m absolutely buzzing to do that with the Sparks.
“I loved my time over in Birmingham a few years ago playing in the Hundred, and I am looking forward to being able to represent the West Midlands in the CET [Charlotte Edwards cup] and RHFT [Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy] as well.”
Burns is a big acquisition for the side, and she’ll bring a wealth of experience to the Sparks side, while making an impact in the British game.
Sparks head coach Lloyd Tennant said: “I’ve worked with Erin at Manchester Originals, Dom [Dominic Ostler] has worked with her at Birmingham Phoenix, so she’s got good connections to Central Sparks.
“She’s an 100% proven performer, and a true professional. Burns is very professional in what she does, and she’ll bring high performance and professionalism to our squad.
“On top of that, she seems to be a very good person too.”
"Her strike rate (145) for the Sydney Sixers was phenomenal. Erin is an exceptional professional cricketer, we know she will add something to every single member of the playing and staff team.
"She will add to our attack, she will add depth to our batting line up and she will set a very high standard in the field.
We look forward to welcoming Erin and her family to the West Midlands and the Sparks family."
Burns joins the likes of Issy Wong, Katie George, Em Arlott and Eve Jones, who all have experience at international level, and could play her first game for the Sparks against the Sunrisers in the Charlotte Edwards cup.
Welcome to the Sparks, Erin.
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