Erin Burns set for remarkably quick return to elite cricket as WBBL takes centre stage
It took just a few net sessions for Erin Burns to believe she could go from a birthing suite to the WBBL in just over four months.
Having already returned to cricket last month, Burns is set to ramp up one of the sport’s most remarkable comebacks for the Sydney Sixers against Perth on Sunday.
Clearing hurdles is nothing new to Burns, after she left NSW as a youngster to pursue a spot in a state team and returned in 2019 with an Australian ODI cap.
But in terms of epic feats, this will be one of her best.
When Burns flew to Perth on Friday, she did so with baby Nina in her arms.
Cricket Australia’s parental support system will cover Burns’ mother to make every away trip as a carer, while Burns herself is still feeding the four-month-old.
“My mind is a mixture of wake windows,” Burns told AAP. “When did she feed last? When does she need a nappy change? Do I need to take all of these things? It’s definitely a bit of a mental juggle.
“There’s definitely times when she hasn’t slept all night. And you’re like, right, I’ve got to get up and do this gym program or training.
“But in a way the cricket side of things feels easier. Because you’re just used to … that fluidity.”
After falling pregnant on the eve of last summer’s WBBL, Burns told officials she would sit it out while also using a foot injury as a facade given she was still in the early stages.
The Sixers then kept the door open for her to play in this season’s tournament through the backing of Leah Poulton and Rachael Haynes, with talks becoming serious two months after the birth in late June.
That prompted a return to training with the backing of her wife Anna, who carried the couple’s first child Jack four years ago.
“When Leah called, I was like ‘well, I’m feeling in a much better space than I thought I would be’,” Burns said. “So I was keen to get back to a bit of skills and just see how it feels.
“First session in, I’m not going to lie, I felt like an absolute fish out of water.
“But after three or four sessions it kind of started to get back to that point where it feels pretty normal.
“I definitely didn’t think I’d be in this position to front up and get on the park. But I’m pretty stoked that I’m here.”
Former Sixer Angela Reakes came back to the WNCL, just four months after giving birth in 2022.
Burns’ former Hobart teammates Emma Thompson and Amy Satterthwaite are among others to return after giving birth, along with cross-code AFLW star Jess Duffin.
Sarah Elliott famously scored an Ashes Test century for Australia in 2013 while breastfeeding her nine-month-old son at lunch and tea breaks.
“I had a bit of a chat with Amy about how she felt postpartum,” Burns said. “But the thing is, it’s not like coming back from an injury or any other thing because it’s got so much complexity to it.
“From the physical, like giving birth and then the postpartum period. Obviously some women go through a lot of mental health challenges.
“There’s a lot of sleep deprivation. And it just depends on your experience, your baby.
“And that support of family is so important.”
