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.
