“Joe Burns gets his opportunity on Boxing Day and it’s going to be a very special week for him”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia stand-in captain Steven Smith has confirmed that Joe Burns will make his debut during the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne.
Burns will replace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and will bat at number six.
Smith also noted that pace bowler Ryan Harris will return at the expense of left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc. Harris missed the second Test in Brisbane due to a quadriceps strain.
“Shane Watson’s best suited at the top of the order…Joe will slot in at No.6,” Smith said. “Mitch has been playing some pretty good cricket…he was starting to find his feet.
“Disappointing for him…but Joe Burns gets his opportunity on Boxing Day and it’s going to be a very special week for him.”
Australia squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (captain), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood