Joe Burns Ends Australia Career, Set To Play For Italy As a Tribute To Late Brother

Joe Burns set to play for Italy

Joe Burns, a Former Australian opener has confirmed that he will now represent Italy in International Cricket. This is his way of giving tribute to his late brother Dominic who passed away earlier this year.

Burns was already not on the contracted list of the Australian Cricket Board, he also missed out on a contract in the Big Bash League(BBL).

The Final nail in the coffin arrived when he was excluded from the contracted list of his domestic team Queensland for 2024-25, this made him sure about his decision to quit Australia Cricket.

Burns who is eligible to play for Italy due to his mother's heritage will now play in the sub-regional qualifiers. He also stated that he will be wearing jersey number 85 on his back to honor his brother.

Joe Burns Statement via Instagram

This is not just a jersey, neither its just a number, it's something quite close to my heart this is for the people who are looking at me from the heavens above. Earlier this year in February I lost my brother, 85 was his number when he played for the final time for the Northern Federals, it was his birth year too

It's been difficult to survive in these past few weeks, this is a battle that I lose quite often, a part of myself looks missing, however, this jersey this number will carry on his spirit and will give me the energy to play. It is a relationship built on playing Cricket for long hours as kids, the connection with him made me fall in love with the game.

Burns also appreciated the efforts made by his grandparents,

my grandparents left Italy and started a new life in Australia with many challenges through adversity, these efforts helped me find solace and motivation to do well.

I'm so proud to represent Italy in our road to T20 World Cup 2026

Burns got an opportunity to wear the baggy green 23 times during which he scored 4 centuries, He also represented Australia in six ODI's