- Joe Burns pays an emotional tribute to his late brother
- Burns will help Italy qualify for the T20 World Cup
- Will honor his brother by wearing the number 85
Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns has posted an emotional tribute to his brother following his shocking death, revealing how the tragedy pushed him to take his career in a new direction.
Burns, who has scored four centuries in 23 Tests for Australia, 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.
The 34-year-old was not offered a contract by Queensland for the 2024/25 season and 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 jersey (pictured) when he plays for Italy in the T20 World Cup
‘This is not just a number and this is not just a jersey. This is for the people I know will be proudly looking down from above,” Burns wrote on Instagram.
‘My brother unfortunately passed away in February this year. 85 was his number on the last team he played (and his year of birth) for the powerful Northern Federals in sub-districts.
“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.
“Even though 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 I spent playing as kids and the bond with him that taught me to love this game.”
The experienced opener can qualify for Italy through his mother’s inheritance and will be a welcome addition to the squad.
“I often think about the courage and dedication it must have taken my grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia,” he wrote.
The experienced opener is keen to help Italy qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup
Burns says that “a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing” after losing his brother
“They found a way to make it work despite adversity and this has always given me comfort through the life lessons.
“I’m so proud to represent Italy as we head to the 2026 World Cup. The pitches of Rome may be a far cry from the Gabba, MCG or our front garden growing up, but I feel like I’m coming home.”