Joseph Anthony Burns, commonly known as Joe Burns, is a talented and stylish cricket player from Australia. Born on September 6, 1989, in Herston, Queensland, Burns has emerged as a reliable Test match opener for Australia, displaying his exceptional skills and temperament on the field.
Burns marked his entry into the cricketing world with an astonishing debut performance in the Sheffield Shield during the 2010-2011 season. In his first match against South Australia, he scored a remarkable 140 runs, which stood as the third highest debut score by a Queensland player. This outstanding achievement paved the way for his inclusion in the Shield-winning state team the following summer.
Making his Test debut in 2014-2015, the right-handed batsman initially showcased promise, scoring two fifties in his second game. However, he faced the disappointment of being dropped for the subsequent tours of West Indies and England. Determined to prove his worth, Burns was given another opportunity as David Warner’s new Test opening partner in Australia’s 2015-2016 home season. He rose to the challenge by scoring three centuries in just eight Tests, proving his ability to excel at the highest level.
Unfortunately, Burns encountered a period of inconsistency, resulting in his recurring exclusion from the national side. Despite a commendable performance in Johannesburg, where he top-scored in the second innings, Burns was not selected for Australia’s next tour of the UAE. Additionally, he was overlooked at the start of the 2018-2019 home summer. However, Burns made a strong comeback during the 2019 Sri Lanka series, securing his fourth Test hundred in his 16th Test match held in Canberra.
Burns had his fair share of setbacks, including experiencing viral fatigue, which affected his performance and restricted him from playing a full season for Lancashire. Although he was part of the Australia A set-up in the UK, he narrowly missed out on selection. Nevertheless, Burns’s resilience and determination eventually paid off when he was given another chance for the 2019-2020 summer, following a disappointing Ashes series for the team’s openers.
Possessing a classic batting technique, Burns is renowned for playing straight, playing late, and exhibiting immense patience. His ability to wait for balls in his desired areas has earned him recognition as a valuable asset to any Test team. While his journey has been riddled with uncertainties and challenges, Burns continues to work tirelessly to solidify his position as a prominent Test opener for Australia.
Off the field, Burns maintains a relatively low-profile persona. He is known for his dedication to the game and is highly respected by his teammates and fans alike. With the Ashes beckoning, Burns aims to further cement his place in the Australian side and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Joe Burns is a talented and promising cricketer who has showcased his skills as a Test match opener for Australia. Despite facing occasional setbacks, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. With his elegant strokeplay and unwavering determination, Burns is undoubtedly a valuable asset to Australian cricket.
