Joe Burns, alongside his impressive batting career, is also a talented wicket-keeper, having kept wickets for Queensland in domestic cricket.

Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns said Tuesday he will represent Italy in their bid to reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in tribute to his late brother.

Get ready for a jersey with a special story! A 34-year-old cricketer with Italian roots is switching teams. He'll be sporting number 85 for his new country, a number that holds double the meaning. It's the year his brother was born, and the same number his sibling wore while playing cricket back in Australia!

Australian cricketer Matt Burns is gearing up for a new chapter, but one that carries a special meaning. Burns, who tragically lost his brother Dominic earlier this year, will be sporting number 85 on his jersey for his new team.

This number isn't just a random pick. It's a powerful tribute to Dominic's memory. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Burns shared a photo of his new jersey, writing, "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 opened up about the immense loss, expressing, "While a part of me feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength."

He's set to represent Italy, a team considered an underdog in the sport, in upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

This is a big change from the massive stadiums like the Gabba or MCG he played at in Australia. Burns acknowledges this in a heartfelt social media post: "Swapping the familiar fields of Australia for the historic grounds of Rome might seem like a big jump, a world away from our childhood games."

But for Burns, this is more than just cricket. It's a chance to connect with his heritage. He concludes his message with a touching sentiment: "Even though it's different, it feels like coming home. Thank you (Grazie in Italian)."

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