Australia opener Joe Burns to play international cricket for Italy as tribute to brother in a bid to qualify for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Joe Burns played 23 tests and 6 ODIs for Australia.

Former Australia batsman Joe Burns confirmed on May 8, Tuesday, that he will shift his base to Italy and represent the European nation in international cricket. The 34-year-old revealed that he is doing this as tribute to his brother who passed away earlier this year.

The Brisbane-born Joe Burns played 23 test matches and 6 ODIs for Australia from 2014 to 2020. He notched up 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries in the longest format for Australia. He has amassed 9809 runs at First-Class (FC) level.

However, he was recently omitted from Queensland’s contract list for the 2024-25 season. Joe Burns’ contract with his Big Bash League (BBL) team, Melbourne Stars, has also expired and he is currently without a professional contract in Australia.

“I feel like I’m coming home”: Joe Burns set to play for Italy after passing away of his brother

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the 34-year-old made this revelation that he will be moving to Italy and looking to represent their national team in international cricket. He cited that he has taken this decision as a tribute to his late brother. He will be donning the number 85 jersey that his brother wore in club cricket.

In his Instagram post, Burns wrote, “This isn’t just a number and this isn’t just a jersey. This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above.

“In February of this year my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number in the last team he played (and his birth year) for the mighty Northern Federals in sub-districts.

“The days, weeks and months since my brother’s death have been the toughest I could ever imagine. I’m not too proud to admit that it’s been a daily battle that I often lose.While a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength. It’s the hours playing as kids and connection with him that taught me to love this game.

“I often reflect on the bravery and commitment it must have taken my Grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia. They found a way to make it work through adversity and this has always given me solace through life’s lessons.

“I’m so proud to represent Italy on our path to the 2026 World Cup.

“The fields of Rome may be a long way from the Gabba, MCG or our front yard growing up, but I feel like I’m coming home.“

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A post shared by Joe Burns (@joeburns441)

Burns qualifies to play for Italy through his mother’s heritage. Italy will play in the sub-regional qualifiers as part of the road to the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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