Joe Burns pays tribute to brother's untimely death by switching loyalties to Italy
Australian Test opener Joe Burns has announced he would be representing Italy hereafter in international cricket in a heartfelt tribute to his late brother. The veteran had been axed by Queensland ahead of the 2024/25 domestic season Down Under and is expected to make his Italy debut on June 9.
Joe Burns made the announcement through an Instagram post featuring his jersey for the Italian Cricket team bearing the number 85, chosen as a tribute to his late brother.
"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," he wrote.
"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 days, weeks and months since my brother's death have been the toughest I could ever imagine. I'm not too proud to admit that it's been a daily battle that I often lose.
"While a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength.
"It's the hours playing as kids and connection with him that taught me to love this game."
Burns carries Italian heritage on his maternal side and revealed his family have been stationed Down Under for the past two generations.
"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," Burns stated.
"They found a way to make it work through adversity and this has always given me solace through life's lessons."
The 34-year-old played 23 Tests and six ODIs for Australia, scoring 1,442 runs with the Baggy Green including four centuries. His last appearance came in 2020 against India in Melbourne, following which he continued to ply his trade in the Australian domestic circuit for Queensland, Brisbane Heat, and Melbourne Stars. Burns would likely make his Italy debut in the sub-regional qualifiers set to be held in Rome from June 9-16 where Italy have been grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Turkey .
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