Cricket

Former Australian Test opener Joe Burns has embarked on a new chapter in his cricket career, representing Italy in the upcoming sub-regional qualifiers for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. The move comes after a challenging period for Burns, who was dropped by Queensland last season and did not earn a place on their 2024-25 contract list.Burns' decision to play for Italy is a poignant one, as he revealed in an Instagram post that he is honoring the memory of his brother, who passed away in February. His brother's number, 85, is emblazoned on his Italy shirt, a tribute to the connection they shared through cricket."This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey. This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above," Burns wrote. "In February of this year, my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number in the last team he played for the mighty Northern Federals in sub-districts."Burns qualifies for Italy through his mother's heritage and is eager to represent his ancestral country. He is set to feature in the sub-regional qualifiers, which will take place in Rome from June 9-16. Italy is grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Turkey in group one."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," Burns wrote. "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."Burns' move to Italy marks a significant change in his career trajectory. He was averaging 37.16 in the Sheffield Shield when he was dropped by Queensland, but is now without any professional deals in Australia. In 23 Tests for Australia, he made four centuries, averaging 36.97, with his last appearance coming against India in late 2020.Despite the challenges he has faced, Burns remains passionate about cricket and is determined to make a positive impact with Italy. He is confident that his experience and leadership will be valuable to the team as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Matthew Kuhnemann, a left-arm orthodox spinner, has left Queensland and is set to join Tasmania in pursuit of more first-class cricket opportunities. This move aims to enhance his chances of selection for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, former Test opener Joe Burns has been omitted from Queensland's contract list following a disappointing season.Kuhnemann, 27, made his Test debut for Australia last year in India, claiming 5 for 16 in Australia's only victory in Indore. However, since then, he has not featured in a single Sheffield Shield match for Queensland. The Bulls have preferred legspinner Mitchell Swepson as their primary spinner, leaving Kuhnemann with limited opportunities.In Tasmania, Kuhnemann is expected to become the team's leading spinner in both Shield and Marsh Cup cricket. He will bolster Tasmania's attack, which narrowly missed out on winning the Shield title last season. Kuhnemann remains contracted to play for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL for the next two seasons.Burns, on the other hand, has been left out of Queensland's contract after being dropped from both the Shield and Marsh Cup sides last summer. His Shield omission came as a surprise, given his strong performances earlier in the season. Despite being the Bulls' leading run-scorer through the first seven games, Queensland opted to promote younger batters in the second half of the season.Queensland has decided not to offer the 34-year-old Burns a contract. He has played 23 Tests for Australia and scored four Test centuries. He is also out of contract at the Melbourne Stars.The Bulls have instead promoted opener Angus Lovell onto the contract list after his Shield debut last summer. Queensland has also signed four of Australia's Under-19 World Cup winners for next season, including captain Hugh Weibgen and promising quick Callum Vidler.Queensland is still searching for a new coach after parting ways with Wade Seccombe last month.