It will take more than a body blow to to stop Boxing Day bolter Joe Burns from making his Test debut for Australia.
Burns, poised to replace the injured Mitch Marsh for the third Test against India at the MCG, copped a ball in the ribs while batting for Brisbane Heat in their 56-run BBL loss to Sydney Thunder on Sunday night.
But the 25-year-old battled on after being surprised by a Dirk Nannes slower ball to make 28 from 23 deliveries in a solid knock before promising to be ready for national duty on Friday.
“(I’m) pretty sore, but I’ll be right,” Burns said.
Long admired by Australian coach Darren Lehmann, Burns only learnt of his Test call-up hours before Brisbane Heat’s BBL opener at ANZ Stadium.
“The best thing about Burnsy is he put that to the side tonight and I think he just carried on and went about his business as per normal,” said his Heat teammate Chris Lynn.
Burns is set to replace Marsh as Australia strive to wrap up the four-Test series with a third straight win, despite Lehmann acknowledging the stellar start to the Sheffield Shield season of veteran batsmen Ed Cowan and Adam Voges.
“You’re always trying to look ahead when you can, but you’re still living in the moment,” Lehmann said on Sunday.
“We think he’s the best man. He can fit anywhere from one to six (in the batting order).
“He gives us a little bit more flexibility compared to the other two … and it’s a chance to play a guy who is young.”
Lehmann was appointed Queensland coach in 2011, with Burns making a distinct impression.
“When I saw him play, I thought he could really play at the next level,” Lehmann said.
“It’s taken him a while, he’s had some ups and downs like all players do.
“Now he’s put his name up at the right time.”
Burns’ place in the order is yet to be decided, but Shane Watson could potentially be demoted to No.6 given his increased bowling load.
Marsh, who strained his hamstring on day one in Brisbane, will fly with the team to Melbourne and Lehmann was upbeat he would be available for the final Test in Sydney starting on January 6.
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
So what's the lineup in a year? Here's my guess: Rogers (if he's scoring why drop him? Just ask Simon Katich) Warner Burns Smith Clarke/Ferguson M Marsh Ludemann/Hartley Johnson Cummins Lyon Hazlewood
Dylan
Guest
M marsh was picked more on potential than on his record but hes looked looked solid so far with an 87 and 3 fourties in his first four games. Hes worth persevering with.
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
Good work boof and selectors. Hughes and Khawaja were our best 2 domestic batsman, with the unfortunate passing of Hughes and Khawaja now injured i am all for Burns being given a shot and he deserves it more then the other names simply because he hasn't had his shot yet. I think Khawaja will come back strongly from injury and i would like to see both queenslanders embedded in the team. As for Burns i hope he does well in the boxing day test. Boof is doing a fantastic job as coach and well done to Mark Waugh and other selectors.
The Bush
Roar Guru
M Marsh didn't deserve his selection in the first instance, a FC average of 29 is not deserving of selection, however he's been doing the job so far and deserves to keep his place for an extended run. His brother on the other hand is a horrible choice, whilst Haddin should also be moved on. It'll be interesting to see what the batting line up consists of. It'll also be interesting if M Marsh is fit for the last Test. If he is, and you assume he's an automatic pick, then who drops out in circumstances (very likely) where Burns scores more runs than S Marsh - could M Marsh do a Mark Waugh and replace his brother?
Matt
Roar Rookie
There is quite a few passengers there, no doubt. Even I sometimes doubt that Mitch Marsh has what it takes to be part of the batting lineup - weak returns in Shield for his batting, given how much grief everyone (myself included) gives to a guy like Maxwell. Hopefully he can get some big scores for Aus when fully fit. Big ticks to Buck now! I was already thinking he's worth persisting with until the Ashes tour as we need his ability there, and his scores have confirmed my opinion. As for Watson, Marsh's hamstring and his bowling has given him a lifeline, runs are beyond overdue. Shaun Marsh was never even 'due' in the first place. Along with Haddin and Watson, Marsh is the obvious deadweight in this side and there are any number of candidates ready for their places.
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
How good did Mr Cricket look last night? Oh to have had him at #5 or #6 for the last two years. How much power does Chris Lynn have? He could play all forms of the game for Australia for year to come. Good on the selectors for picking Joe Burns. I have been pushing his barrow his barrow for a year or so - and not just because I have one Maroon eye. Mountains of runs in consecutive seasons make his selection the right one. Likely lineup: Warner (assuming he is fit - if not then Ed Cowan) Rogers (a fine pair of 50s means he is in great nick) Watson (runs are overdue) Smith S Marsh (why? No runs and dropped catches) Burns (With a view to moving to #3 in the not too distant future) Haddin (won't in this list in 365 days time) Johnson Harris (another due to be replaced in a year - Pattinson or Cummins) Hazlewood Lyon A shame there's potentially three passengers in the top 7. But Mojo, Rhino, Nathan and Hazelnut have shown they know how to hit the right ball. It's a skill I'd like them to teach Watto, Smarsh and Hadds.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Good to hear was Burns included. Good on the young fella, I hope he does really well.