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Joseph Anthony Burns, born on 6 September 1989 in Herston, Queensland, Australia, is a renowned cricketer who has represented the Australia national cricket team. With a right-handed batting style and a medium-paced bowling action, Burns has made significant contributions to Australian cricket, both domestically and internationally.
Burns grew up in Brisbane's northern suburbs, attending the prestigious Nudgee College. Interestingly, neither of his parents, both school teachers, had a professional cricketing background. As a child, while Burns showcased talent in cricket, he wasn't initially seen as a prodigy. In fact, after completing his university education, Burns had envisioned a career in business. He once remarked, "I finished uni, thinking I was going to get a job in business. I didn't play cricket with the ambition of playing professionally … but you make a few runs, go up the grades, and it all happened so quickly from there." This statement reflects the unexpected yet meteoric rise of Burns in the world of cricket.
Burns' domestic cricket journey is nothing short of impressive. He made a remarkable entry into the Sheffield Shield, scoring a whopping 140 runs on his debut against South Australia in February 2011. His consistency was evident in the subsequent seasons. In the 2011-12 Sheffield Shield season, Burns emerged as the fifth-highest run-scorer, amassing 781 runs. He followed this with a commendable 587 runs in the 2012-13 season.
His exceptional performances didn't go unnoticed. In early 2013, Burns was selected for the Australia A team, where he scored a brilliant 114 in a one-day game against the touring England Lions. This achievement came shortly after he was honoured with the title of the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year.
Burns continued to shine in the T20 format as well. He was the top scorer for Brisbane Heat in their victory over Perth Scorchers during the final of the 2012-13 Big Bash League season. His prowess in the domestic circuit caught the attention of international teams. Leicestershire signed him as a replacement for their overseas player, Ramnaresh Sarwan, for a part of the 2013 County season. However, a hip injury in July that year cut short his stint in England, forcing him to return to Queensland.
In December 2017, Burns achieved another milestone by scoring his maiden first-class double century while playing for Queensland during the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield season. Recognising his contributions, Cricket Australia named him in their team of the year in March 2018. Burns' journey in the domestic circuit saw him playing for various teams, including Brisbane Heat, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Glamorgan, Lancashire, and Melbourne Stars.
Joe Burns' international journey began with his Test debut for Australia against India at Melbourne on December 26, 2014. While he was initially positioned at number 6 in place of the injured Michael Clarke, Burns showcased his potential by scoring a pair of fifties in his second game. However, despite this promising start, he faced the harsh realities of international cricket, being dropped for the subsequent tours of West Indies and England.
In the 2015-16 home summer, Burns was confirmed as David Warner's new Test opening partner. During this period, he scored three centuries in eight Tests, solidifying his position as a reliable opener. Yet, the roller-coaster nature of his career continued. After only four failures on the 2016 tour of Sri Lanka, he found himself out of the team again.
Burns' resilience was tested when he was recalled in the aftermath of the infamous sandpaper incident in Cape Town. With limited preparation, having been flown in late after a victorious Sheffield Shield final for Queensland, he top-scored in the second innings in Johannesburg. However, this performance didn't cement his place, as he was overlooked for the subsequent tour of the UAE and the start of the 2018-19 home summer.
His perseverance paid off when he returned for the 2019 Sri Lanka series, where he scored his fourth Test hundred in his 16th Test in Canberra. But challenges persisted. With an Ashes spot within reach, Burns suffered from viral fatigue in mid-2019, which curtailed his stint with Lancashire. Although he was part of the Australia A set-up in the UK, he did not make the cut for the Ashes. Yet, the selectors, recognising his talent and experience, once again turned to Burns for the 2019-20 summer.
Burns' international career, though marked by ups and downs, has had its fair share of memorable moments. His three centuries during the 2015-16 home summer stand out, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His fourth Test hundred against Sri Lanka in Canberra further highlighted his potential as a top-order batsman.
Burns' international journey has been a testament to his resilience. From being dropped multiple times despite promising performances to facing health challenges like viral fatigue, he has faced numerous obstacles. Yet, time and again, he has made comebacks, proving his mettle and worth to the team. His return post the sandpaper incident and his subsequent performances, especially the century against Sri Lanka, are a testament to his never-give-up attitude.
In the competitive world of international cricket, where form and fitness are paramount, Burns has shown that mental strength and perseverance are equally crucial. His journey serves as an inspiration to many budding cricketers, teaching them the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
As of the latest records, Joe Burns last represented Australia in a Test match on 26 December 2020. His international career has spanned from 2014 to 2020, during which he has played 23 Test matches and 6 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia. In his Test career, Burns has scored 1,442 runs with an average of 36.97, including four centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest Test score is an impressive 180. In ODIs, he has amassed 146 runs with a top score of 69.
Burns' domestic career continues to thrive. He has been associated with various teams, including Brisbane Heat, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Glamorgan, Lancashire, and most recently, Melbourne Stars in the 2021/22 season. In April 2021, Burns was signed by Lahore Qalandars to play in the rescheduled matches in the 2021 Pakistan Super League.
Given his experience and consistent performances in domestic cricket, Burns remains a valuable asset. While he has faced challenges in cementing his place in the Australian national team, his domestic performances indicate that he still has a lot to offer. The future might see Burns making a comeback to the international scene, especially if he continues to deliver strong performances in domestic tournaments.
Joe Burns' cricketing journey is a tale of talent, determination, and resilience. From his early days in Brisbane to representing Australia on the international stage, Burns has showcased his prowess as a top-order batsman. While his international career has seen its share of highs and lows, Burns has always found a way to bounce back, proving his mettle time and again. His domestic records speak volumes about his capabilities, and there's no doubt that he remains an integral part of Australian cricket. As fans and enthusiasts, we can only wait and watch what the future holds for this talented cricketer.
FAQs
When did Joe Burns make his Test debut for Australia?
Joe Burns made his Test debut for Australia on 26 December 2014 against India.
How many centuries has Joe Burns scored in Test cricket?
Joe Burns has scored four centuries in Test cricket.
Which domestic teams has Joe Burns played for?
Burns has played for several domestic teams, including Brisbane Heat, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Glamorgan, Lancashire, and Melbourne Stars.
When did Joe Burns play his last Test match for Australia?
Joe Burns played his last Test match for Australia on 26 December 2020.
Has Joe Burns played in any T20 leagues outside Australia?
Yes, in April 2021, Joe Burns was signed by Lahore Qalandars to play in the rescheduled matches of the 2021 Pakistan Super League.
