Joe Burns to represent Italy as honour to his late brother

Former Australian Test opener Joe Burns recently announced that he will represent the Italy national cricket team as a tribute to his late brother Dominic. The 34-year-old batter, who lost his state contract with Queensland for the 2024-25 season, could represent the Italian team through his mother's heritage.

Burns' brother Dominic tragically passed away in February of this year. The immense grief prompted Burns to honour his brother's memory by wearing the jersey number 85, his late brother's birth year, and the number he wore for his last club team Northern Federals.

"This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey. This is for the people I know will look down proudly from above. In February of this year, my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number in the last team he played (and his birth year) for the mighty Northern Federals in sub-districts," Burns wrote on his Instagram post.

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I'm so proud to represent Italy: Joe Burns

He revealed that the Italian jersey that he will be donning from now on will remind him of his brother's spirit and give him strength to battle it out on the field.

"The days, weeks, and months since my brother's death have been the toughest I could ever imagine. I'm not too proud to admit that it's been a daily battle that I often lose. While a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength. It's the hours playing as kids and connection with him that taught me to love this game," he added.

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He also reflected on his grandparents' brave decision to leave Italy and start a new life in Australia through adversity.

"I often reflect on the bravery and commitment 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 through adversity and this has always given me solace through life's lessons. I'm so proud to represent Italy on our path to the 2026 World Cup," he concluded.

The right-hand batter featured in 23 Test matches and six ODIs for the Australian national team and scored 1442 and 146 runs, respectively. He hit four Test centuries and eight half-centuries in his international career.