Central Sparks sign Australia international Erin Burns

The allrounder will be available in all competitions from the beginning of the Charlotte Edwards Cup on May 18 until the end of July

Central Sparks have signed Australia international Erin Burns.

The allrounder will be available in all competitions from mid-May until the end of July and could make her Sparks debut in the Charlotte Edwards Cup against Sunrisers on May 18.

Burns earned six caps for Australia in 2019, featuring in five T20Is and one ODI.

The 34-year-old, who began her career with Tasmania, is no stranger to the West Midlands, turning out for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, and has also represented Manchester Originals, New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, Wellington and Royal Challengers Bangalore across her career.

A powerful batter and off-spin bowler, she will reinforce Sparks' middle order and provide experienced support for Hannah Baker with the ball.

^{Burns in action for Birmingham Phoenix [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

A player in hot form, she lit up the 2022/23 WBBL, scoring 295 runs at a strike rate of 145.32 – of players to score more than 200 runs, only Laura Harris and Ashleigh Gardner could better Burns' strike rate.

Commenting on joining Sparks, Burns said: "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 in Birmingham a few years ago playing in The Hundred and I am looking forward to being able to represent the West Midlands."

Head coach, Lloyd Tennant, hailed Burns' professionalism, stating: "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.

^{Burns is a powerful middle-order batter and off-spin bowler [Sarah Reed/Getty Images]}

"She's an 100 per cent 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."

Director of cricket, Laura Macleod, added: "We are delighted to have secured Erin from early May up to the end of July, after stints in the WPL and fairbreak competitions, and a great 2022 WBBL.

"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."