‘Hard work is undefeated’: Joe Burns refuses to sleep on Test re-call

Joe Burns will not give up on his dreams of a baggy green recall as Australia’s battered Test team faces a shake-up for the upcoming Gabba showdown against Sri Lanka.

Joe Burns was re-called for the fourth Test in South Africa. Picture: AFP

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Overlooked Queenslander Joe Burns will not give up on his dreams of a baggy green recall as Australia’s battered Test team faces a shake-up for the upcoming Gabba showdown against Sri Lanka.

Burns is not out of the Test selection sphere this summer following Australia’s looming series loss to India after another disastrous day at the SCG.

Australia is staring down the barrel of a 3-1 series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after yesterday crumbling to 6-236 in reply to India’s mammoth first innings total of 7-622.

While Australia’s world class bowling attack was mauled by the Cheteshwar Pujara-inspired India, a misfiring batting unit once again failed to inspire.

Joe Burns was re-called for the fourth Test in South Africa. Picture: AFP

Australia has not had a century-maker in seven innings this summer and still has top order issues after Queensland captain Usman Khawaja fell for 27 opening the innings.

Despite a solid run of Sheffield Shield form this summer, Burns was overlooked for a Test recall as selectors looked to Bulls all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne for the spinning Sydney wicket.

Burns, 29, is hoping to add to his tally of 14 Test appearances and he could receive a recall on his home deck against Sri Lanka at the Gabba from January 24.

Burns has averaged 66.25 on the seaming Gabba wicket this summer and said he would continue to work hard.

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“It’s always disappointing to be left out of the team, but all you can do as a player is keep playing your best cricket,” he told The Sunday Mail.

“Selections come and go and there is always tough calls made, but they’re never final.

“If you go away, work hard and keep performing well ... hard work is undefeated.”

Burns, who had a key role to play at the top of the order as the Brisbane Heat tried to kickstart their BBL campaign with a win over the Scorchers in Perth last night, has three Test centuries to his name as an opener for Australia and averages 36.76 in the baggy green.

Joe Burns has been one of the best Shield performers. Picture: AAP

He has had a rollercoaster Test career, with his last match coming after he was flown to South Africa on short notice as a replacement player following the ball tampering scandal last March.

Burns topscored (42) in Australia’s second innings of that match, but was then overlooked for the next series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Despite being the Shield’s fifth highest run-scorer this season (474 runs), Burns won’t say he is in career-best form but admits he has never been more comfortable with his game.

“It’s hard to say because of the game and what’s required of you is constantly changing,” he said.

Joe Burns in action for the Heat. Picture: AAP

“It’s hard to compare, but I feel with more years behind me I’m in a more comfortable spot and I know exactly what I need to do to have success.

“When you’re younger you are somewhat shooting in the dark. You think you’re preparing well and are going into games hoping to do well.

“As you get older you know there are one or two things that if you do, you have success.

“It’s a satisfying place to be, but it doesn’t get any easier. You have to keep working harder and harder.”

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