Joe Burns Blasts Ton for Italy, Makes International Cricket History

Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns has etched his name into cricket history, becoming only the sixth player to score a century for two different countries.

The 34-year-old Australian-born batsman achieved the feat while playing for Italy against Romania in the Europe Qualifier for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Burns, who recently switched allegiance to honor his late brother, smashed an unbeaten 108 runs off just 55 balls. His knock, laced with 12 fours and 4 sixes, propelled Italy to a massive total of 244 runs. Teammate Justin Mosca (72 off 30) provided valuable support at the other end.

Romania’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, mustering a mere 74 runs before being dismissed.

This century places Burns in an elite company alongside players like Eoin Morgan and Kepler Wessels, who have also scored hundreds for two different nations. Another Australian player Ben Manenti can join Italy in future and his younger brother Harry Manenti is already playing for Italy.

Earlier this year, Burns made the emotional decision to step away from his dream of representing Australia again. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed his desire to keep his brother’s spirit alive and represent Italy, his ancestral home.

“The past few months have been incredibly difficult,” Burns wrote. “Wearing the Italian jersey will allow me to carry his spirit and find strength. The countless hours we spent playing together as kids are what instilled my love for this game. I’m honored to represent Italy on their journey to the 2026 World Cup. While Rome might be far from the familiar grounds in Australia, it feels like a homecoming for me.”

Burns had a decent run with the Australian national team, featuring in 23 Tests and 6 ODIs. However, his move to Italy signifies a new chapter in his cricketing career, one fueled by both ambition and a desire to honor his brother’s memory.