Rory Joseph Burns is a professional cricket player from England who has made a name for himself as a reliable Test opener. Born on August 26, 1990, in Epsom, Surrey, Burns had to work hard to win his opportunity to represent his country.
With a distinct batting style that includes an open stance to bring his dominant left eye into play, Burns quickly rose through the ranks and caught the attention of selectors. In 2018, he impressed during the tour of Sri Lanka and the Caribbean, although he struggled to convert starts into big scores. However, a scrappy but determined century in the first Ashes Test that year solidified his place in the team.
Burns’ 2018 was not only successful on the international stage but also at the domestic level. Captaining Surrey for the first time, he led the team to their first County Championship title in 16 years. His contribution of 1,359 runs at an average of 64.71 was vital in securing the title for his side.
Known for his impressive consistency and patience at the crease, Burns has a compact game centered around his dexterity off his legs and his driving through the covers. He has shown the ability to leave the ball copiously and has developed his game to include innovative shots such as paddling the ball over fine leg.
While Burns’ abilities have made him a mainstay in the Test team, his orthodox style has limited his opportunities in one-day and T20 cricket. Nonetheless, he continues to work on adding more power to his game to adapt to the shorter formats.
Burns’ career has not been without its challenges. In 2015, he was involved in a frightening collision with his Surrey teammate Moises Henriques while attempting to catch a skier. Both players sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, but Burns showed resilience by returning to the field with no lasting effects.
Despite his success, Burns faced setbacks during the 2021/22 Ashes. After a disappointing series, where he managed only 77 runs across six innings, there were concerns about his reluctance to take on greater responsibility within the team. This criticism aligned with concerns about his perceived technical idiosyncrasies, suggesting that he prefers to do things his own way.
However, Burns bounced back from the disappointment by leading Surrey to their 21st County Championship title in the summer of 2022. He topped their run charts with 842 runs at an average of 40.09, proving his worth as a leader and a resilient player.
Rory Burns is a talented and consistent cricket player from England who has established himself as a reliable Test opener. Known for his patience, determination, and unconventional batting style, Burns has contributed significantly to both his national team and his domestic side, Surrey. While he has faced challenges along the way, he continues to showcase his abilities and cement his place in the world of cricket.
