Joe Burns to debut in lone ODI against Ireland

Joe Burns to debut in lone ODI against Ireland: Australia are gearing up for their 1^st ODI match since the memorable win the World Cup final at the MCG. After a disappointing loss in the Ashes the Aussies will switch to coloured clothing as they take on Ireland in the lone one dayer in Belfast on Thursday. They have decided to go into the game with a full strength team. Joe Burns is set to make his ODI debut after he was named in the Australian eleven for the game. Burns will open the batting alongside explosive batsman David Warner. Thursday’s clash will also be the full-time captaincy debut for Steve Smith, who is coming off a good run in the recently concluded Ashes. David Warner, meanwhile will assume the role of Smith’s deputy.

For Burns, who made his Test debut in last summer’s home series against India, it is an early opportunity to showcase his potential as an opener. A good performance would mean he could push for the opener’s spot in Test cricket as well which has been vacated by the retirement of Chris Rogers.

“I think any time you play for Australia, you want to perform, you’ve seen (chief selector) Rod Marsh say it before – if you’re scoring runs at the one-day international level, you can put your hand up for other formats of the game as well. So I know those guys are looking forward to this tour”. Steve Smith said after the announcement of the eleven.

Talking about the inclusion of Burns Smith said “Joe has been over here and played a bit of cricket in England so knows these conditions quite well. I’m looking forward to seeing those guys step up”. Mitchell Starc will lead the bowling attack also featuring tear away quick Pat Cummins. Smith though admitted that he will have to monitor the fitness of Starc with the Test series in Bangladesh not too far and a busy Australian summer ahead. The Ireland fixture shapes up as vital practice for the Australians ahead of the 5 match ODI series against England beginning September 3.

Australian XI: Joe Burns, David Warner, Steve Smith (c), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Shane Watson, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade(wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile.