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Australian batter Joe Burns who made his last Test appearance against India in 2020 is set to represent Italy in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Burns has an emotional reason behind representing Italy as it is not a move because of lack of opportunities to play in Australia. The 34-year-old wants to honour his late brother, Dominic, who passed away in February 2024. He will wear his jersey number 85 while representing Italy.
The Queensland batter who was absent from the side's 2024-25 contract list posted a photo of his brother's jersey which he wore to play club cricket.
"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," he wrote.
"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.”
Burns is eligible to play for Italy via his mother’s heritage. He will make his Italy debut in the sub regional qualifiers. Italy are grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey. The tournament will be played from June 9 to 16 in Rome.
"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," he wrote. "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."
Burns’ international and T20 numbers
Burns made his Test debut against India in 2014. He has played 23 Tests and scored 1,442 runs at an average of 36.97 including four centuries and seven fifties. He played just six ODIs and scored 146 runs from six games including one half-century. He never played T20I for Australia.
However, his most recent T20 appearance was in Big Bash League 2023-24 for Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars. In T20s, he has scored 1,634 runs from 83 games at an average of 23.68 including six half-centuries. His strike rate in the format is 118.57.
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