Once he scored four centuries for Australia, but did not get respect, then this batsman became the captain of Italy, has an average of 70.33 and strike rate of 144.52 in T20. Australia opener Joe Burns named Italy captain following successful nationality switch

Italy made Burns the captain

Italy wants to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India after two years. Keeping this in mind, the team had included Burns in June this year. Now he has been appointed the captain of the team. Burns made his T20 debut against Luxembourg in June. In that match, he batted brilliantly and scored 58 runs in 42 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes.

Burns's T20 record

He played his last match against Romania. In this match, Burns batted brilliantly and scored unbeaten 108 runs on 55 balls. During this period he had hit 12 fours and four sixes. Burns has played five T20 matches for Italy so far. It has scored 211 runs in five innings at an excellent average of 70.33. During this period his strike rate has been 144.52.

Left Australia to get justice for brother

Joe Burns, who has scored four centuries for Australia in the Test format, decided to shift from Australia to Italy to get justice for his brother Dominic Burns. Dominic was not included in the contract by Queensland of Australia for the 2024-25 season. Dominic died in February this year. He played for Italy only, so Joe Burns decided to go to Italy to pay tribute to his brother.

Along with Australia, Queensland's offer was also rejected

He wears jersey number 85 while playing for Italy in honor of his brother. Burns not only left Australia but also broke his Queensland contract. Burns played cricket for Queensland in Australian domestic cricket. But, when it came time to extend it for the 2024-25 season, he refused.