Joe Burns played 23 Test matches and six ODIs for Australia.
Former Australian batsman Joe Burns announced on Tuesday, May 8, that he will be relocating to Italy to represent the European country in international cricket. The 34-year-old Burns revealed that he is doing so in memory of his brother, who passed away earlier this year.
Brisbane-born Joe Burns played 23 Test matches and six ODIs for Australia between 2014 and 2020. He has scored four centuries and seven half-centuries for Australia in the longest format. He has amassed 9,809 runs at first-class (FC) level.
However, he was recently removed from the Queensland contract list for the 2024-25 season, his contract with Joe Burns' Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Stars has also expired and he is currently without a professional contract in Australia.
'Feels like coming home': Joe Burns to play for Italy after brother's death
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the 34-year-old revealed that he will be moving to Italy to play for them in international cricket. He said he has taken the decision in memory of his late brother. He will wear the number 85 jersey that his brother wore in club cricket.
Burns wrote in an Instagram post. “This is not just a number. This is not just a jersey. This is for the people who will be watching proudly from above.”
“In February this year, my brother sadly passed away, and 85 was his jersey number (and birth year) on the team he last played for, sub-district powerhouses Northern Federals.
“The days, weeks and months following my brother's passing have been the toughest imaginable. I proudly admit that I fought back, even though I lost every day. Though I feel like a part of my soul will be gone forever, I know this shirt carries on my brother's spirit and gives me strength. My time playing as a child and the connection I had with my brother taught me to love the game.”
“I often think back to how much courage and determination it took for my grandparents to leave Italy and start a new life in Australia. They found a way to persevere through adversity and that has always given me comfort through this life lesson.”
“I am very proud to represent Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
“The fields at Rome may be a long way from the Gabba, the MCG or even the front gardens where we grew up, but it feels like coming home.“
Burns is eligible to play for Italy through his mother's bloodline, who will compete in sub-regional qualifiers as part of their road to the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
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