Australian opener eyes comeback in Test series against Pakistan

Team Australia is all set to play against Pakistan in the UAE as their next big international assignment. A lot of talk has already started over the combinations that the Aussies will go ahead with in the series. Considering the fact that the team has been severely dented by the recent bans on the big names of the side, a lot of opportunities beckon for the other players to step up. Among the many players eyeing a comeback is Joe Burns.

The 28-year old Queensland opener had a great time in the Australian outfit a season ago. In the recent times, he has been out of action following a back injury that he sustained whilst playing for Glamorgan in the County Championship. Now, he is working hard in Queensland to get fit for the Pakistan Tests. He is eyeing a comeback in the national side. As per the quotes in cricket.com.au, he revealed that he is optimistic about his selection.

“I was pretty frustrated with how it went down in Glamorgan. The injury I picked up was only a minor thing but it just so happened that in that two weeks (of recovery) I basically missed my whole playing commitments. I’m really confident by the time we get to a game I’ll be fine. The scans I got didn’t show anything major so we’re basically just guided by the symptoms,” Joe Burns quoted.

“I spoke a little bit with the selectors after the South African series, and everything was really positive there. I guess as a player all you can really do is trust that and prepare accordingly,” he added further.

Feeling good about his game

It is worth noting that Joe Burns is not a part of the Australia A side that is touring India for limited overs and long format fixtures against India A. This, in all likelihood, puts his selection in jeopardy. However, Burns feels that he has been hitting the ball well and has his spirits high. With more opportunities in store, he feels he has a good chance of making things count.

“I don’t think I’ve hit the ball as good in my career as I did last season. So when you’re hitting the ball like that you want to be playing as much as possible. When I got back on the field for the last Shield game, then the (Shield) final and the Test match … I was basically on one leg. Going forward I’m hoping I can get that continuity and, with a few more opportunities now, an extended run at it,” Burns remarked.

Furthermore, he cited that his performances for the national side last season were phenomenal. He hopes to recreate the same magic this season as well. The Australian squad for the Pakistan Tests will be announced following the conclusion of the Australia A tour of India.

“As an opening batter, you accept that you’re going to be facing high-quality bowlers with a new ball on a fresh wicket – so you’re going to have games where you do miss out. I remember I played eight Test matches straight – we had the home summer (2015-16) and then we went to New Zealand, where we went to No.1 (Test ranking) – and that was my most productive period; I got three hundreds, and averaged over 50,” the Queensland cricketer conceded.

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