Former Australian Opener Joe Burns To Play For Italy As Tribute To Late Brother
New Delhi: Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns is set to represent Italy to help them reach the 2026 T20 World Cup as a tribute to his late brother, Dominic. Burns who has represented Australia in 23 Tests between 2014 and 2020 has been recently dropped by Queensland last season and did not earn a contract for the 2024-25 domestic season. Burns took to Instagram to announce his move.
Burns will wear 85 at his back which his brother wore when he last came out to play for the Northern Federals. “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,” he said
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Burns also spoke about his family’s courage to leave Italy for Australia. “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.” added Burns.
Italy has never represented in a cricket world cup in any format and have a chance in the upcoming sub-regional tournament in Rome to qualify for the 2026 edition that will be played in India and Sri Lanka. “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,” added Burns.
Burns qualification to play for Italy comes through his mother’s heritage. In the regional qualifiers for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, Italy have been grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey. The matches will be played between June 9-16 in Rome.
In his 23 Tests for Australia, Burns scored 1442 runs including four centuries. He has also played six ODIs for Australia, scoring 146 runs. His last outing for Australia came in 2020 against India in a Test match.
