‘Always going to be controversy’: Sixers superstar sensationally snubbed from WBBL team of the tournament

Three Sixers players made the WBBL team of the tournament but there was a major shock, with one of the game’s greats missing out.

Erin Burns capped an incredible return to cricket by being named in the official WBBL team of the tournament, but there was no room for Sixers teammate Ellyse Perry even though she scored the second most runs in this year’s competition.

Burns was joined in the team of the year by fellow Sixers Alyssa Healy and Ash Gardner after the ladies in pink went from the foot of the table last season all the way to top spot and a home final on Saturday evening.

The team was picked by the eight head coaches, with Burns, Beth Mooney and Jess Jonassen the only players to be selected unanimously after their incredible exploits.

Ellyse Perry scored four 50s but didn’t make the team of the year. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

But there was a big name missing, with Perry snubbed even though she scored 375 runs – second only to Mooney – with a season-high four half-centuries.

“There’s always going to be controversy,” Burns said at North Sydney Oval ahead of Saturday’s final.

“There have been some outstanding performances across the board, and I’m sure there’ll be a few people who think they’re a bit stiff to miss out on that team of the tournament.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting to be there.

“I think we’re very blessed in Australian cricket that we could pick a second, third and fourth XI Australian side and we could still compete with the rest of the world.

“I think that team of the tournament speaks volumes because there’s only one international in that 12.”

Erin Burns played a number of matchwinning knocks. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

While Perry missed out, Burns’ selection is the cherry on top. She returned to the Sixers this year after missing last season due to the Covid-19 bubble.

Burns became a mum for the first time last year and on Monday afternoon brought her son to North Sydney, where he was rocking a Sixers jersey.

Motherhood has agreed with Burns who had her best WBBL season on record, with 294 runs at a powerful strike rate of 147, as she regularly came in to guide the Sixers home whenever they were in a bit of trouble.

Jess Jonassen was named captain of the team of the tournament. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

It’s why she’s a chance of returning to the Australian side when the squad for the Indian tour is announced on Tuesday, although she’s more focused on helping the Sixers to a third WBBL title.

“I would say having my son around this year means that my timekeeping skills have been on point a little bit more this season compared to other seasons,” she said.

“I think it’s just perspective and being a bit more relaxed coming into the competition. Last year, not being able to be a part of it was pretty disappointing for me, so I was just super excited to be back here in front of home grounds again.

“I found myself in different roles in various games across the season and have been fortunate enough to bat with some pretty spectacular batters. I feel like I’ve been playing well and I feel happy with the season that I have.”

Here it is! The official Weber #WBBL08 Team of the Tournament, as voted by our eight coaches.

Thoughts, comments? pic.twitter.com/817kjTk2HS

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 20, 2022

WBBL team of the tournament

Beth Mooney – 434 runs

Georgia Redmayne (wk) – 333 runs and 11 dismissals

Alyssa Healy – 329 runs (including only century of the tournament)

Ashleigh Gardner – 339 runs and 23 wickets (equal most for tournament)

Annabel Sutherland – 304 runs and 21 wickets

Erin Burns – 294 runs

Amelia Kerr – 19 wickets and 243 runs

Jessica Jonassen (c) – 20 wickets

Amanda-Jade Wellington – 21 wickets

Nicola Hancock – 22 wickets

Megan Schutt – 23 wickets (equal most for tournament)

Molly Strano – 18 wickets

Originally published as ‘Always going to be controversy’: Sixers superstar sensationally snubbed from WBBL team of the tournament