- Joe Burns posts emotional tribute to his late brother
- Burns will help Italy qualify for the T20 World Cup
- He will honor his brother by wearing the number 85
Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns has posted an emotional tribute to his brother after his shocking death, revealing how the tragedy is prompting him to take his career in a new direction.
Burns, who scored four centuries for Australia in 23 Tests, is mourning the death of his brother Dominic after he passed away in February and is now planning a new chapter in his professional career.
Queensland did not offer the 34-year-old a contract for the 2024-25 season and he has now decided to represent Italy and will honor Dominic by wearing the number 85 on his jersey.
Test batsman Joe Burns has posted an emotional tribute to his brother following his recent death.
Burns will honor his brother by wearing the number 85 on his shirt (pictured) when he plays for Italy in the T20 World Cup.
‘This is not just a number and it is not just a t-shirt. “This is for the people I know will look down proudly on me,” Burns wrote on Instagram.
‘In February of this year my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number on the last team he played for (and the year of his birth) for the powerful Northern Federals in the subdistricts.
‘The days, weeks and months since my brother’s death have been the hardest I could ever imagine. I’m not too proud to admit that it has been a daily battle that I often lose.
“While I feel like a part of my soul will always be missing, I know this jersey will carry on his spirit and give me strength.
“It’s the hours I played as a kid and the connection with it that taught me to love this game.”
The veteran opener can qualify for Italy thanks to his mother’s heritage and will be a welcome addition to the team.
“I often reflect on the courage and commitment it must have taken for my grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia,” he wrote.
Veteran opener keen to help Italy qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup
Burns says ‘I feel like a part of my soul will always be missing’ after losing brother
‘They found a way to make it work through adversity and this has always given me comfort through life’s lessons.
‘I’m very proud to represent Italy on our road to the 2026 World Cup. The fields of Rome may be a long way from the Gabba, the MCG or our front garden growing up, but I feel like I’m coming home.’