Erin Burns' hopes of wearing the magenta this season have been dashed.
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Earlier this month, the Sixers announced that Burns would miss their opening five Women's Big Bash League games in Tasmania as she opted to spend time with her pregnant wife Anna.
The Wollongong all-rounder had hoped to join her Sydney teammates in Adelaide when the competition relocated away from the Apple Island, however, the Sixers confirmed on Wednesday that this move wouldn't be possible due to tight border restrictions.
"I'm gutted I can't join the Sixers because WBBL is always such a highlight of the season and so not to be able to pull on the magenta with the girls is devastating," the 33-year-old said.
"I have so much confidence in this group to do a great job and I will be following closely."
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Burns has been sorely missed by the Sixers so far this season. The Sydneysiders opened their account with convincing wins over the Stars and Hurricanes, but were outclassed in their re-match with the Stars and against the Renegades, while their clash with their Thunder rivals was washed out.
The Sixers are next set to take the field against the Scorchers this Sunday.
Cricket NSW had been working hard behind the scenes to get around the border restrictions and see Burns join the squad, but without success.
I'm gutted I can't join the Sixers because WBBL is always such a highlight of the season.
- - Erin Burns
If the Sixers or Thunder were to top the regular season table and the finals were to be held in Sydney, Burns would be eligible to join her teammates. The Sixers have no immediate plans to find a replacement for Burns.
"We tried all that we could, but it was to no avail," Cricket NSW's interim head of female cricket Clare Crewdson said.
"We are disappointed for Erin and her teammates and a little bewildered as to why we were unable to achieve what other sports have, by moving players and families across borders to fulfil their jobs.
"But at the end of the day, we respect the decisions and processes implemented by state governments and feel for those people locked out of states that are unable to see family and friends."
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