Australia’s Test opener Joe Burns has been diagnosed with fatigue syndrome. The right-handed batsman was first diagnosed with it in October last year. It is to be noted that he also made his comeback to the national side during 2018/19 season and scored a brilliant 180 in the Canberra Test against Sri Lanka.
“After consultation with specialists, he was diagnosed with a protracted post-infectious fatigue disorder dating back to an October 2018 viral infection,” Queensland Cricket said in a statement.
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Joe Burns had replaced an underperforming Aaron Finch in the team, who was part of the series against India, and was a contender for the opening job for upcoming Ases 2019 that will be played in England.
It remains to be seen if he makes his return to professional cricket and stakes his claim for a place in the Ashes squad after World Cup. David Warner, who missed 2018/19 season due to ban, will get back his place in the Test squad as well, leaving the race open between other openers for that spot.
Joe Burns was not included in the Australia A squad for the tour of UK as he had already signed a county deal with Lancashire. However, he had returned from his stint after playing one match, which came against Northamptonshire.
Joe Burns has played 16 Test matches so far in which he has scored 1123 runs at 40.10. He had made his comeback to the Test side last year, after being called as a replacement player for the banned trio against South Africa in March. He was later dropped but again made a comeback for the home series against Sri Lanka.
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He has also played six ODIs, scoring 146 runs in total. His previous ODI appearance came in 2015 against England. During 2018/19 season, Joe Burns played for Brisbane Heat in Big Bash league and returned to domestic duties for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. He remains to be in contention for an opening slot for Ashes.
Other than him, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch – although he has least chances – are in the fray for that spot. Australia A kick off their tour of UK in the month of June with the four-day matches to be played in the month of July.