The Sydney Sixers have announced a contract extension with their experienced left-arm pacer Lauren Cheatle, locking her in for at least two more seasons. The 27-year-old’s stay with the Sixers will now run through to the end of WBBL 13, reinforcing the team’s pace bowling stocks as they chase a finals berth in the ongoing 11th edition of the tournament.
Cheatle has been a mainstay of the Sixers’ bowling unit since joining them in 2018 after a two-season stint with cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder, where she made her WBBL debut in 2015. She has accumulated 95 wickets in 94 matches across both teams, boasting a combined average of 22.60 and an economy rate just under 7 runs per over. This season, Cheatle has taken 6 wickets at an average of 26.66 and an economy of 8.57 in 5 innings, showcasing her continued impact.
“The Sixers have been a huge part of my career, and I’m proud to stay on for the next two seasons,” Cheatle said. “I believe in what we can achieve together, and I’m ready to continue to give everything in magenta.”
Her role in the Sixers’ campaign, led by captain Ashleigh Gardner, currently sees the team placed fifth on the WBBL 11 points table with 7 points from 6 games, three wins, two losses, and one washout. The Sixers will look to climb higher when they face the Sydney Thunder, captained by Phoebe Litchfield, in the second match of Sunday’s double-header at North Sydney Oval.
General manager Rachael Haynes lauded Cheatle’s qualities beyond the ball: “Lauren embodies everything we value at the Sixers: grit, talent, and an unwavering team-first attitude. ‘Cheats’ is adored by her teammates, a fierce attacking bowler and a fantastic leader on and off the field. We can’t wait to watch her continue to pull on the magenta and take wickets!”
Cheatle’s resilience stands as a hallmark of her career. Despite battling shoulder and back injuries and twice undergoing treatment for skin cancer, she has repeatedly demonstrated perseverance and a strong comeback ability. Internationally capped since age 17, Cheatle already has experience in all formats for Australia, including the ICC T20 World Cup.
With her contract now secured alongside promising fast bowlers Caoimhe Bray and Courtney Sippel, the Sixers approach the crucial latter half of the tournament with a settled pace attack. Their immediate focus remains on breaking into the top four and building momentum for the finals push.
Sunday’s Sydney derby offers Cheatle and the Sixers a chance to boost their campaign and validate their long-term faith in the left-arm quick’s ability to steer the team forward in the seasons to come.
Quotes sourced from Cricket Australia Official Press Release
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.