After switching allegiance to Italy, former Australian Test opener Joe Burns made an instant impression by smashing a fifty-ball century to move his adopted nation one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Burns burns down Romania
In the final subregional qualifier in Rome, Burns played for Italy for the fifth time. Batting on a synthetic pitch, he swatted 12 fours and four sixes en route to an undefeated 108 off 55 balls and an eventual 160-run victory for Italy.
Happy start to Italy journey
Burns, who amassed four centuries in 23 Test matches while playing for Australia, lost his Big Bash contract with the Melbourne Stars and was not extended a contract by Queensland for the 2024–25 season.
Tribute to brother Dominic going well
Burns chose to represent Italy after his brother Dominic passed away in February. He is able to do this because of his mother’s side of the family. The 34-year-old expressed his wish to honor his family’s Italian heritage in an emotional Instagram post, wearing the number 85 Italian jersey as a tribute to Dominic.
Italy bid to qualify for 2026 T20 WC going well
Italy, who have won all five of their qualifying matches, will now travel to Germany for the next round of play. Burns had scored 58 runs in his opening innings for the Italians.
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