Joe Burns silenced his critics once and for all with a remarkable century against the West Indies on the first day of the Boxing Day test. Burns looked solid and fluent throughout his knock and no bowler seemed like giving Burns a tough time. Former opener Chris Rogers heaped praises on Burns for his knock and was delighted with his performance.
“There was a period there when they were picking a lot of middle-order batsmen to open the batting for Australia,” Rogers said. “It’s a position you have to do day in, day out. “They picked him early to do that role, so stick with him. “Don’t just pick a middle-order guy and throw him into open because he scored a few runs, because it doesn’t do him any favours either.”
Rogers also added that a batsman of Burns’ pedigree deserved a longer run at the top of the order. “I defend Joe Burns because I think he’s done a lot right,” Rogers said. “It’s not an easy role at all. You’re allowed to make a few mistakes and he’ll get better and better.”
“It’s unfortunate Shaun missed out,” Rogers said. “But if he had to be in the team and had to open, I just think that’s not ideal for him either,” said Rogers, summing up the case of Shaun Marsh.