Joe Burns leads Italy to historic T20 World Cup

Dubai, Jul 22 (PTI) – Captaining Italy to their first-ever World Cup qualification, Australia-born Joe Burns is eager to take on defending champions India in the opening game of next year's T20 tournament.

Italy secured their spot with a strong performance in the European Qualifiers earlier this month. The draw for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka is yet to be finalized.

“Reaching your first World Cup, you want to be in the spotlight," Burns expressed to ICC Digital. "Facing India in the initial match would be an incredible experience.”

Burns is keen on playing against top teams like Australia and England, wanting to “jump in at the deep end” to test their mettle.

Qualifying for the tournament feels “surreal” to him, with much planning dedicated to cricket, providing satisfaction from their efforts.

The qualification journey has been an emotional experience for both Burns and the team. They held week-long training camps in Rome and the UK. During the first day in Rome, Burns told the team, “Regardless of whether it’s Luxembourg in the Sub-Regional game or India in a World Cup Final, I want us to be the most prepared team in world cricket.”

A former Australia player with four Test centuries, Burns was eligible to join the Italian squad due to his mother's heritage. This opportunity also helped him through a personal loss, the death of his brother Dominic.

“This is a chance to unite family and cricket, and that resonates with everyone in the team, each with a similar story,” remarked Burns.

The team’s culture was further fostered in Rome with activities focusing on understanding each other’s families and sacrifices.

Former Canada international John Davidson heads the coaching team, alongside ex-Scotland international Dougie Brown and Ireland cricket star Kevin O’Brien.

“I’ve witnessed a group of players evolve into a close-knit team,” noted O’Brien. “Their shared Italian heritage binds them, despite hailing from different parts of the globe.”

Team members not only improved their cricket skills but also their attitude, fitness, awareness, cricket intelligence, and work ethic, crucial for success in international cricket.

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