Alice Capsey joins Sydney Sixers from Renegades for WBBL 12
Synopsis
Sydney Sixers have pulled off a savvy WBBL 12 acquisition, snapping up England's Alice Capsey from Melbourne Renegades. What makes this signing genuinely unusual: Capsey recently added wicketkeeping to her batting and off-spin repertoire — filling a glaring gap left by Emma Manix-Geeves' departure and the retirement of Alyssa Healy.
Key Takeaways
Alice Capsey has signed with Sydney Sixers for WBBL 12 , moving from Melbourne Renegades .
Capsey is a batting all-rounder who also bowls off-spin and recently kept wicket for England in the ODI series against Ireland .
The Sixers currently have no confirmed wicketkeeper after Emma Manix-Geeves did not re-sign.
Capsey's signing also fills part of the void left by the retirement of iconic keeper-batter Alyssa Healy .
She previously played for Melbourne Stars ( 2022/23 and 2023/24 ) and spent two seasons with Melbourne Renegades before joining the Sixers.
England all-rounder Alice Capsey has signed with the Sydney Sixers for Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, moving across from Melbourne Renegades in a deal that significantly broadens the Sydney franchise's options ahead of the upcoming season. The signing was confirmed on 15 September 2026.
Why Capsey Is a Game-Changer for the Sixers
Capsey arrives as a genuine three-dimensional cricketer — a destructive batter, a capable off-spinner, and, most recently, a wicketkeeper. She took the gloves for England during their ODI series against Ireland when first-choice keeper Amy Jones was being managed, marking the first time Capsey had kept wicket since her underage cricket days.
That added dimension is particularly timely for the Sixers. The club currently has no confirmed wicketkeeper on its books after Emma Manix-Geeves declined to re-sign with the franchise.
What Coach Peter Clarke Said
Sixers head coach Peter Clarke welcomed the acquisition and underlined the tactical flexibility Capsey brings to team combinations.
'It's nice to have that option up your sleeve if you need it,' Clarke said, when asked whether Capsey could take the gloves in WBBL 12. 'Whether we have an injury to whoever's our primary keeper … or you decide to do different things with your list — the more versatile any player is, the more options you have as a coaching staff to try different combinations maybe.'
Clarke added: 'So her having that string to her bow is a plus, and she can also bowl; she's also a good fielder, and she's obviously a bat. I think at her best she could be a great player. We're looking forward to working with her at the Sixers, and hopefully we can provide her with an environment to help her perform at her best consistently and contribute to the success of the club.'
Filling the Void Left by Alyssa Healy
Capsey's arrival is expected to help the Sixers absorb the departure of retired wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, one of the franchise's most iconic figures. She will partner fellow England international Sophia Dunkley, alongside Ellyse Perry and Amelia Kerr, giving the Sixers a formidable batting core.
Capsey spent the previous two seasons at the Melbourne Renegades and had earlier represented cross-city rivals Melbourne Stars in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 WBBL seasons.
Capsey's Own Words
'I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Sydney Sixers this season,' Capsey said. 'The WBBL is one of the best competitions in the world and the chance to represent a club with such a strong reputation and history is really special. I've loved my previous experiences playing in Australia, and I'm looking forward to returning and being part of the Sixers environment.'
With WBBL 12 on the horizon, the Sixers' coaching staff will be watching closely to see whether Capsey can fulfil Clarke's assessment and emerge as one of the competition's standout performers this season.
Point of View
The Sixers had a genuine structural gap behind the stumps. Getting a player who can bat, spin, field, and — at a pinch — keep is shrewd squad management rather than luxury. The bigger question is whether Capsey, still developing consistency at the international level, can handle the dual expectation of being both a batting catalyst and an emergency keeper in a title-contending side.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Alice Capsey joined Sydney Sixers for WBBL 12?
Alice Capsey has signed with Sydney Sixers for WBBL 12 after leaving Melbourne Renegades. The Sixers pursued her partly for her batting and off-spin skills, but also because she recently added wicketkeeping to her game — a key need for the club after Emma Manix-Geeves did not re-sign.
Can Alice Capsey keep wicket for the Sixers?
Yes, according to Sixers coach Peter Clarke, Capsey could take the gloves if needed in WBBL 12. She kept wicket for England in their ODI series against Ireland — her first time doing so since underage cricket — and Clarke confirmed the option is 'nice to have up your sleeve.'
Who did Alice Capsey play for before joining the Sydney Sixers?
Capsey spent two seasons at Melbourne Renegades before the Sixers signing. Prior to that, she represented Melbourne Stars in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 WBBL seasons.
How does Alice Capsey's signing affect the Sydney Sixers squad?
Capsey adds significant batting depth alongside Sophia Dunkley, Ellyse Perry, and Amelia Kerr, while also providing off-spin and emergency wicketkeeping cover. Her versatility directly addresses the gap left by Emma Manix-Geeves' departure and Alyssa Healy's retirement.
What is the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL)?
The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) is Australia's premier women's Twenty20 cricket competition, widely regarded as one of the best domestic women's cricket tournaments in the world. WBBL 12 refers to the 12th edition of the competition.
