Ex-Aussie cricketer Joe Burns will represent Italy in tribute to late brother Dominik

NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns has announced his intention to play for the Italian national team as a tribute to his late brother Dominik.

Burns, who played 23 Tests and six ODIs for Australia during his tenure as a national team player, was dropped and not selected for Queensland’s Sheffield Shield round of 16 tie with South Australia.

In addition, he was omitted from the Queensland men’s contract list for 2024-2025. Burns now plans to represent Italy in the 2026 T20 Men’s World Cup qualifiers.

The 34-year-old confirmed the death of his late brother, who passed away earlier this year in February. The Burns shirt number for Italy will be 85 in tribute to his brother, as it signifies Dominik’s last shirt number, for the people I know will be proudly looking down from above. My brother unfortunately passed away in February of this year. 85 was his number on the last team he played (and his year of birth) for the powerful Northern Federals in sub-districts.

“The days, weeks and months since my brother’s death have been the hardest I could have ever imagined. I’m not too proud to admit that it has been a daily battle that I often lose. While part of my soul feels like it will always stay this way. I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength. It is the hours I spent playing as children and the connection with him that taught me to love this game,” read Burns’ emotional post on his Instagram account.

Italy are grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey in group one, with matches taking place between June 9 and 16 in Rome.

“I often think about the courage and dedication it must have taken my grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia. They found a way to make it work despite adversity and this has always given me comfort through life’s lessons. I’m so proud to represent Italy on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The pitches of Rome may be a far cry from the Gabba, MCG or our front garden growing up, but I feel that I’m coming home,” he added.