Aussie Burns joins Leicestershire

By Paul Bolton. County News Correspondent

Leicestershire have signed Australia A batsman Joe Burns to deputise for Ramnaresh Sarwan for most of the new season.

Sarwan will only be available at the start and end of the summer because of his West Indies commitments so Burns will replace him between mid-May and late August.

Burns, who made a century against England Lions recently, plays his state cricket for Queensland and is highly-regarded in Australia.

“I am really pleased that Joe is joining Leicestershire. He is a talented batsman with a bright future ahead of him,” said Leicestershire coach Phil Whitticase.

“His availability, before departing for the 2013 Champions League at the end of August, dovetails perfectly with Ronnie Sarwan and we expect both players to make a big impact during the season.”

Burns, 23, scored 927 runs in the first-class and List A arena in the 2011-12 season, topping Queensland's Sheffield Shield averages with 781 at 41.10 in the process.
 
He also top-scored with 43 as Brisbane Heat beat Perch Scorchers in this season's KFC Big Bash T20 Final. Burns scored 248 runs in the competition - his first T20 matches at domestic level - at an average of 31.00 and an impressive strike rate of 129.16.
 
"I'm very excited to get the opportunity to join Leicestershire for the 2013 season. In my discussions with the staff I feel this is a fantastic opportunity personally for myself to continue to develop my cricket and to perform at the highest level,” Burns said.
 
“I've heard great things about the club’s setup and players and I am very motivated with the ambition of promotion in the County Championship. I'm looking forward to joining up with the team in May and contributing to a successful and enjoyable season.”

Date: 07/03/2013 09:45:04 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Leicestershire | England |