Former Australian batter Joe Burns has made a headline-grabbing decision to switch allegiances late in his cricketing career. Burns announced that he will play for Italy in a bid to compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be held in India. The cricketer, who recently faced personal tragedy, took to Instagram on May 28 to share the poignant motivation behind his decision—honoring his late brother. Burns revealed that he will don the number 85 jersey, a number that was closely associated with his brother in club cricket.
The announcement comes during a turbulent phase in Burns’ professional life. The Australian batsman did not feature for Queensland in the final rounds of the Sheffield Shield and was subsequently removed from his state team’s contract list for the 2024-25 season. In addition, his three-year stint with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League recently came to an end. Despite these setbacks, Burns has remained resolute in his desire to pay tribute to his late brother, hoping that wearing the number 85 will give him strength to persevere through this difficult period.
“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 a heartfelt Instagram post. “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 emotional weight of losing his brother has left a lasting impact on Burns. He admitted that the days, weeks, and months since his brother’s death have been an arduous journey, filled with overwhelming grief. While he acknowledges that part of his soul feels permanently lost, he finds solace in donning the number 85 jersey, hoping it will embody his brother’s spirit and offer him the strength he needs. “It’s the hours playing as kids and the connection with him that taught me to love this game,” Burns added.
Burns has qualified to represent Italy through his mother’s heritage.
. As a gesture towards his lineage, he expressed a desire to reconnect with his roots. Italy, as a team, is grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Turkey in the sub-regional qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Rome from June 9-16. These qualifiers represent the pathway for securing a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Reflecting further on his decision, Burns shared insights into his family’s past. “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 continued in his post. “They found a way to make it work through adversity, and this has always given me solace through life’s lessons.”
Burns expressed immense pride in representing Italy on their path to the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledged the emotional and physical distance between the fields of Rome and the iconic Australian cricket grounds like the Gabba and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as well as his humble beginnings playing in his front yard. “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,” he concluded.
The cricketing community has been abuzz with the news of Burns’ switch. His journey to play for Italy is a testament to his determination and dedication, not just to the sport but also to the memory of his late brother. As he embarks on this emotional journey, fans around the world are eager to see how this chapter unfolds for Burns and the Italian cricket team.
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In related cricket news, Indian fast bowlers Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal have embarked on a journey to New York ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Also making headlines, former England captain Eoin Morgan has picked India as the favorites for the T20 World Cup 2024, underscoring the strength and depth of the Indian squad. Additionally, Cricket Australia has announced matches between ‘India A’ and ‘Australia A’ ahead of the eagerly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, promising an exciting series for cricket enthusiasts.
As Joe Burns looks to navigate through his professional and personal challenges, his new role with the Italian national team promises a fresh start. Burns’ story resonates with themes of resilience, family, and the enduring spirit of cricket, offering inspiration to many as he seeks to honor his brother’s legacy on the global stage.
