From Birthing Suite to Cricket Pitch: Erin Burns' Remarkable Return
In an extraordinary display of athleticism and dedication, Australian cricketer Erin Burns is set to make her professional comeback just 138 days after giving birth to her daughter, Nina. The 37-year-old will represent the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers in Sunday's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) match at the WACA Ground.
The Mental Juggling Act of a Professional Athlete Mum
Burns openly discusses the challenges of balancing new motherhood with elite sport. "It's definitely a bit of a mental juggle," she admitted. "You're constantly thinking: When did she feed last? When does she need a nappy change? Do I need to take all of these things when I go somewhere?"
The all-rounder acknowledges the physical toll, noting there are "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." Remarkably, Burns finds the cricket aspect provides some relief from newborn chaos, explaining "the cricket side of things feels easier because you're used to that routine."
Cricket Australia's Support System Makes It Possible
When Burns flew to Perth on Friday, she did so with four-month-old Nina in her arms, accompanied by her mother whose travel and care expenses are covered by Cricket Australia's parental support system. This crucial support enables Burns to continue breastfeeding while competing at the highest level.
The journey back to cricket began unexpectedly soon after Nina's birth in late June. Having initially planned to sit out the season after falling pregnant just before last summer's WBBL - even using a foot injury as a façade during early pregnancy - Burns found herself in serious discussions with Sixers officials Leah Poulton and Rachael Haynes just two months postpartum.
"When Leah called, I was like 'well, I'm feeling in a much better space [physically] than I thought I would be'," Burns revealed. Supported by her wife Anna, who carried their first child Jack four years ago, Burns began her return to training.
Finding Her Feet Again After Motherhood
The transition back to professional sport wasn't without its challenges. "First session in, I'm not going to lie, I felt like an absolute fish out of water," Burns confessed. However, persistence paid off: "But after three or four sessions it kind of started to get back to that point where it feels pretty normal."
Burns expresses surprise and delight at her rapid return, stating "I definitely didn't think I'd be in this position to front up and get on the park. I'm pretty stoked that I'm here."
Following in Pioneering Footsteps
Burns joins a growing group of athletes demonstrating that motherhood and professional sport can coexist. Her former Hobart Hurricanes teammates Emma Thompson and Amy Satterthwaite have also returned to the WBBL after giving birth, alongside cross-code AFLW star Jess Duffin.
This follows in the footsteps of Australian cricket legend Sarah Elliott, who famously scored an Ashes Test century in 2013 while breastfeeding her nine-month-old son during lunch and tea breaks. Burns' remarkable comeback continues this important tradition of normalising motherhood in elite sport.
