Erin Burns lights up the cricket field with her power as a right-handed batter and precision as a right-arm off-break bowler.
Since making her international debut in September 2019 against the West Indies, she has showcased her talent in one ODI and five T20Is for Australia.
Beyond the international stage, Burns brings her A-game to New South Wales in the Women’s National Cricket League and the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Previously, her skills have shone for teams like Tasmania, Wellington, and the Birmingham Phoenix, among others.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Versatile Player: Erin Burns excels as a right-handed batter and a right-arm off-break bowler.
- International Recognition: Made her international debut for Australia in September 2019 against the West Indies.
- Academic Achievements: Holds a degree in Exercise Science and a master's in physiotherapy.
- Charitable Endeavors: Undertook a 1,000 km bike ride to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in memory of her late father.
- Advocacy for Inclusion: Actively supports LGBTQI inclusion initiatives through her involvement with the Sydney Sixers.
- Career Resilience: Overcame a severe knee injury with the help of stem cell injections, returning to cricket in November 2014.
- Diverse Experience: Played for teams across Australia, New Zealand, and England, enriching her cricketing experience.
Beyond the Boundary: Erin Burns’ Life Off the Pitch
Erin Burns not only excels on the cricket field but also in academia, securing a degree in Exercise Science in 2009.
Later, a University of Sydney Elite Athlete Program scholarship helped her achieve a master’s in physiotherapy. As both an Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist, Burns focuses on sports injuries with keen interest.
Following a knee injury, she turned to cycling for rehabilitation, embarking on a 1,000 km bike ride from Wollongong to Melbourne in 2015.
This impressive journey raised funds for Bowel Cancer Australia, paying tribute to her late father.
In 2019, Burns celebrated love by marrying her wife Anna, actively supporting LGBTQI inclusion initiatives with the Sydney Sixers.
A New Chapter Begins for Erin Burns
Born in the coastal city of Wollongong, Erin Burns encountered a formidable challenge. She could not advance beyond the second XI in New South Wales’ competitive cricket framework.
Nevertheless, in 2009, a significant turn of events unfolded. The Tasmanian Roar, in search of fresh talent for its debut in interstate contests, extended a life-changing invitation to Burns.
She eagerly embraced this opportunity, marking the start of an exhilarating journey in her cricket career. This move not only showcased her adaptability but also highlighted the Roar’s keen eye for emerging talent.
Roaring Success: Erin Burns’ Stellar Seasons
In 2009–10, Erin Burns clinched the Tasmanian Roar Player of the Year award, showcasing her immense talent early on.
By 2011, she had joined the prestigious ranks of the Southern Stars, marking her ascent in the cricketing world.
The following year, Burns toured New Zealand with the Shooting Stars, demonstrating her growing prowess. Her excellence persisted, earning her the Tasmanian Roar Player of the Year title once more in 2012–13.
That season, Burns dazzled in the Australian Women’s Twenty20 Cup, smashing 90 runs against Victorian Spirit from just 50 balls.
This explosive performance, adorned with 10 boundaries and four sixes, secured her the ACA women’s Player of the Month for December 2012.
A Bounce Back Story: Erin Burns Overcomes Injury
Tragedy struck in late 2013 when Burns suffered a severe cartilage tear in her knee, casting shadows over her future in cricket.
Remarkably, Sydney Swans’ club doctor, Nathan Gibbs, used stem cell injections to treat her injury.
This innovative approach surpassed expectations, allowing Burns to make a triumphant return to the Roar in a T20 match in November 2014.
Erin Burns Shines in the WNCL and WBBL
October 2016 saw Burns leading the charge for the Roar against the South Australian Scorpions in the season’s WNCL opener.
She not only top-scored with 45 runs but also took two wickets. Burns then brought her talents to the Hobart Hurricanes for the inaugural WBBL|01 season in 2015–16.
There, she amassed 224 runs and took seven wickets, even taking three catches in a single innings.
The next season, WBBL|02, highlighted her critical role in two Hurricanes victories, including a last-ball four to secure a win against the Melbourne Renegades.
Erin Burns’ International Cricket Journey
Erin Burns’ cricket career reached new heights in August 2019 when she was named in Australia’s squad for the series against the West Indies.
She made her WODI debut on 8 September 2019 and her WT20I debut just six days later.
Burns’ momentum didn’t stop there; she was named in Australia’s squad for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and, in January 2022, for Australia’s A series against England A, paralleling the Women’s Ashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What teams has Erin Burns played for throughout her cricket career?
Erin Burns has showcased her skills for several teams, including Tasmania, New South Wales, Wellington, Birmingham Phoenix, and the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League.
What are Erin Burns' notable achievements in cricket?
Among her significant accomplishments, Erin Burns won the Tasmanian Roar Player of the Year award in 2009–10 and 2012–13. She also played a key role in the Hobart Hurricanes and was named in Australia’s squad for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
How has Erin Burns contributed off the cricket field?
Off the field, Burns is an advocate for LGBTQI inclusion initiatives and has raised funds for Bowel Cancer Australia. She also holds a degree in Exercise Science and a master’s in physiotherapy, focusing on sports injuries.