Cowan signing completes Sixers squad

The Sydney Sixers have finalised their 18-man playing group for this summer's KFC Big Bash League with the signature of NSW Blues opening batsman Ed Cowan.

Cowan will don the Magenta and call the Sydney Cricket Ground home for his third season with the inaugural BBL champions, adding batting depth to a squad that will be depleted by the international commitments of a number of their star players.

"I’m thrilled to be part of such a strong and successful team once more," said Cowan.

"I have loved my time over the years playing at the SCG and expect this summer’s BBL to be no different."

The Sixers have a new coach for the first time in their five-yeah history, with former Victoria mentor Greg Shipperd taking the reins from Trevor Bayliss, who know coaches Ashes rival England.

Cowan was in sublime touch in NSW's successful Matador BBQs One-Day Cup campaign, posting 356 runs at 59.33, and Shipperd believes that form can carry into the 20-over format.

"As one of the most in form white ball players in the country, Ed has continued a rich vein of batting results that would be the envy of many," Shipperd said.

"His experience and versatility in terms of where he can bat for us gives the team enormous flexibility as the tournament and its challenges unfold.

"He is an extremely popular member of the group and brings a sharp cricket intelligence to complement a team hungry for success." 

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The gritty left-hander has played 18 Tests for Australia, and at 33, hasn't given up hope of representing his country again.

Test No.4 Adam Voges proved that age was just a number, forcing his way into Australia's top order at the age of 35 after a record-breaking Sheffield Shield season in 2014-15.

Cowan left adopted state Tasmania late last season but has rekindled his first-class career with the Blues, and despite two low scores and an abandoned Shield match at the SCG earlier this month, the erudite opener is happy with his form.

"My batting is in a good place throughout the Matador Cup and then the first Shield game (where he scored an unbeaten century) and then this game," Cowan said during the abandoned Shield match at the SCG.

"(The breaks in play because of the outfield) is a bit frustrating from a game point of view.

"We play the game to win rather than for individual runs. But from a personal point of view I feel in good nick."