In a significant move for Italian cricket, former Australian cricketer Joe Burns has been appointed captain of the Italian national team. Burns, who switched allegiances to Italy earlier this year, has quickly become a key figure in the squad. Eligible to represent Italy through his mother’s heritage, the Brisbane-born batter made his Italian debut in June.
Since then, he has played five T20 Internationals (T20Is), scoring 211 runs at an impressive average of 70.33 with a strike rate of 144.52. His recent unbeaten knock of 108 off 55 balls against Romania was instrumental in Italy’s victory during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier.
Burns’ Vision for Italian Cricket
Expressing his gratitude for the captaincy, Burns remarked, “It’s an honor to represent Italy and reconnect with my family’s heritage. Italian cricket has immense potential, and I look forward to working with my teammates to achieve ambitious goals and inspire our fans.” His appointment has been warmly received by Fabio Marabini, President of the Italian Cricket Federation, who lauded Burns’ professionalism and commitment. “Joe’s leadership embodies our vision to elevate Italian cricket to greater heights. His expertise will be crucial as we prepare for the next qualifying stages for the 2026 T20 World Cup,” Marabini said.
Franchise Cricket and a Stellar Australian Career
Beyond international cricket, Burns has garnered attention in global T20 leagues. Recently signed by the Dubai Capitals for the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20), he has also showcased his talents in tournaments like the Vitality Blast and Australia’s Big Bash League. Before representing Italy, Burns had a notable career as an opener for the Australian Test team. Between 2014 and 2020, he played 23 Test matches, scoring 1,442 runs at an average of 36.97, including four centuries.
Burns’ leadership marks a turning point for Italy, a nation striving to make its mark in cricket’s competitive arena. His experience, combined with Italy’s growing talent pool, promises an exciting chapter for the sport in the country.
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