Former Australia opening batter Joe Burns has been appointed the captain of Italy men’s national cricket team, replacing Gareth Berg.
Burn’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for the Italian cricket team as they are preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Regional Final set for next year.
Joe Burns, who hails from Brisbane, made his Test debut for Australia in 2014 and proudly represented the nation until December 2020.
Throughout his Test career, he played in 23 matches, amassing an impressive total of 1,442 runs over 40 innings, including four centuries and seven half-centuries, with an average of 36.97.
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However, Burns made the decision to conclude his international career with Australia and pursue the opportunity to represent Italy earlier this year.
In May 2023, he became officially eligible to don the Italian colours and made his debut during the Sub-regional Qualifier A in June. In five T20Is for Italy, Burns has scored 211 runs at an average of 70.33 and a strike-rate of 144.52.
The 35-year-old expressed his enthusiasm over being appointed the captain of Italy.
“It is an honour to captain Italy. This team has great potential, and I am excited to contribute to the development of Italian cricket,” Burns stated.
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