Joe Burns, a former international cricketer from Australia, has recently taken on the responsibility of captaining Italy’s T20 cricket team. This announcement marks a significant milestone in his career, as he transitions from the Australian national side, where he played in 23 Test matches, to representing Italy on the global stage.
The 35-year-old batter made this allegiance switch in May 2024, achieving eligibility to play for Italy through his maternal grandparents, who hail from Calabria. This connection to Italy has opened a new chapter for Burns, allowing him to explore his heritage while making contributions to a developing cricketing nation.
Burns made his Italian debut on June 8, participating in a match against Luxembourg during the regional qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2026. His performance in this match was part of a broader effort to establish Italy as a competitive force in international cricket. Following the announcement of his captaincy, Burns expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team that he believes embodies great potential in the sport. He conveyed his commitment to the growth of Italian cricket and eagerly anticipates the journey ahead with his teammates, focusing on achieving collective ambitions and bringing pride to their supporters.
Throughout his career with Australia, Burns accumulated a total of 1,442 runs in 40 Test innings. He boasts an impressive batting average of 36.97, along with four centuries to his name. Notably, during the Adelaide Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Burns remained unbeaten with a score of 51 runs off 63 balls when Australia faced a challenging situation, contributing to his reputation as a reliable player in tense encounters.
Since transitioning to represent Italy, Burns has participated in five T20 International matches, accumulating 211 runs with an impressive average of 70.33 and a striking strike rate of 144.52. His recent performance in a T20 match against Romania stands out, as he scored an unbeaten 108 runs off just 55 balls, showcasing his skill and leadership ability while guiding Italy to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup regional Europe qualifier Group A.
In addition to his international commitments, Burns continues to be an active participant in franchise-based T20 leagues. He has secured a contract with Dubai Capitals for the upcoming season of the UAE's ILT20, further solidifying his status as a significant player in the T20 format. This involvement in various leagues worldwide reflects his adaptability and dedication to the game, both as a player and a captain.
Burns’ journey from representing Australia to leading Italy highlights an intriguing narrative of cricket's globalization. His transition emphasizes not only his personal and professional growth but also the strengthening of cricket's roots in Italy. As he leads this emerging team, Burns aims to harness their potential and foster a competitive spirit, thereby contributing to the wider development of cricket in the country.
With his wealth of experience, Burns is poised to play a transformative role in Italian cricket, and cricket enthusiasts will be keen to see how his leadership influences the team's performance in upcoming tournaments and qualifiers. As Italy navigates through various competitions, the cricket community will be watching closely to witness how this former Australian star cultivates talent and drives success for his adopted nation. In conclusion, Joe Burns’ new chapter with Italy serves as an inspiring example of how sports can create broader connections and opportunities for growth, both on and off the field.