Joe Burns has played 8 Tests and 6 ODIs for Australia so far © Getty Images
Australia opening batsman Joe Burns, who will be playing his first overseas series after eight Tests at home believes that the experience from County cricket will come in handy when he faces New Zealand in the Test series. “I’ve had a lot of experience opening the batting in England in county cricket,” Burns said. “I think falling back on that experience is going to be crucial. “[My Test opening partner] David Warner talked a lot about the lessons he learnt from England in the recently gone Ashes. It’s going to be a really tough series [in New Zealand], but it’s exciting and these sorts of challenges, when you’re playing away from home, are what I’m really looking forward to,” he added. READ: Joe Burns: A perfect partner to Warner?
Burns opened the batting for Middlesex, for whom he scored three fifties and averaged 29. He learnt how to handle deliveries when the jag around a bit. “Opening the batting on some really green wickets at times when you’re there for a short period, you’re output can be impacted so heavily by the weather,” said the Australian opener, according to cricket.com.au. READ: David Warner feels Test format should not be changed
“I guess in some respects, it was almost the best experience you could have asked for. “We had some really tough batting conditions. I’m really satisfied with all the lessons I’ve taken from that and look to continually improve and implement the things I learnt, going forward,” he added. READ: David Warner suggests Australia has to be on top of their game to beat New Zealand away from home
Burns was one of Australia’s main players in the home series against New Zealand and later against the West Indies. He scored a ton against New Zealand on his comeback Test at his home ground at Brisbane. He then followed it up with yet another century in the Boxing Day Test against West Indies at Melbourne. Reflecting on these achievements, Burns said, “Some special things have happened over the last few months and it leaves you very hungry to achieve more,” Burns said. “For me, the biggest thing is to try and be a part of the No.1 Test team in the world.”
Australia play New Zealand in a three-match one-Day International (ODI) series, followed by a two Test series. The tour kicks off on February 3 at Auckland.