Former Australia Test batter Joe Burns has declared that he will play for Italy in the qualifying tournament leading up to the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. In February of this year, Burns’ brother passed away, and he has decided to pay tribute to his memory.
From 2014 to 2020, Burns played for Australia in 23 Test matches and six One-Day Internationals. In those matches, he scored 1588 runs, including four hundreds and eight half-centuries.
Teary Insta post
The 34-year-old disclosed on Instagram that he has struggled to cope with the loss of his brother, who passed away in February of this year.
“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,” Burns 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,” he added.
“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 continued.
Burns’ mother’s side grants him eligibility to play for Italy. The 34-year-old was cut by Queensland prior to the 2024–25 season, and he also did not receive a contract extension.
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