Burns leaves mark
New ODI opener scorches 69 in partnership with Warner
JOE Burns has made a blossoming start to his one-day career, launching an exciting opening partnership with David Warner that could extend to the Test arena as well.
The Queenslander piled on a classy 69 runs from 70 balls to set up a win for Australia against Ireland on ODI debut in Belfast, as he and Warner wasted no time putting on their first 100-run stand.
Going almost shot for shot, both batsmen scored six fours and a six in their half-centuries – with Warner’s 50 coming up off 44 deliveries before he was ultimately out for an impressive 84 off 80.
The match-defining 139-run stand was a promising start for Australia’s new dynamic duo.
Chris Rogers’ retirement has left a vacancy at the top of the Test order and Burns is firming to assume that role as well for the October tour of Bangladesh.
Burns was the batsman most unlucky not to make this Ashes series after he scored two half-centuries in his last Test match at the SCG in January.
Steve Smith said Burns had a long way to go to prove he was an international opener, however the skipper was impressed with the chemistry the 25-year-old had with established star Warner.
“Obviously Joe’s had a taste of Test cricket and he played quite well in those Test matches he played. I thought he played really nicely today,” he said.
“He complemented Warner … they both played really well.
“Rod (national selector Rod Marsh) said before that if you’re scoring runs in one-day cricket you can certainly put your name up for Test cricket and hopefully he can take the opportunity of opening in this series with both hands.
“He’s still young, he’s a little bit inexperienced, but over the last couple of years he’s certainly played some very good innings in first-class cricket.”
In the end the strong form of veteran Adam Voges ousted Burns from the Ashes touring party, however the time has come now for Australia to put their faith in their young stars.
Australia, in their first ODI since beating New Zealand in the World Cup final in Melbourne in March, posted 6-222 in a first innings cut short by rain to 40.2 overs.
Further rain interruptions left Ireland with a revised target of 181 in 24 overs.
They were going well with Ed Joyce (44) and Niall O’Brien (45) adding 86 for the third wicket but after off-spinner Glenn Maxwell broke the stand Australia’s fast bowlers swept Ireland aside, with the hosts eventually dismissed for 157.