Joe Burns scored 265 runs for Australia in the three Tests against New Zealand.
©REUTERS / Action Images
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Joe Burns comfortable with opening role
Australian batsman Joe Burns says that he is comfortable opening the batting for Australia after a good run in the Test series against New Zealand in November.
Burns opened alongside David Warner and played a key role in bringing up two 100-run stands and a double-century run partnership at the top of the order against New Zealand.
The 26-year-old impressed in the series with a tally of 265 runs from the three games at an average of 44.16 including a hundred and a fifty.
Having played the majority of his domestic career as an opening batsman, Burns stated that it was the most comfortable position for him in the batting line up.
"With the role I feel really comfortable," Burns said.
“It's where I have had success and that success has led to selection for Australia.
“I take a lot of confidence from that.
“I haven't had any real feedback (from coach Darren Lehmann in regards to ongoing selection) - I know what my job is.”
Australia will now play a three-match Test series against West Indies and Burns is not taking the opposition lightly considering the quality of the bowling line-up they possess.
“I think they have a pretty decent new ball opening partnership with Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor.
“It is exciting to play against the West Indies, it was a team I grew up watching.
“They have shown over a long period win, lose or draw, they are worth watching.
“And in international cricket there are no easy games.
“You have to make sure you are switched on.”
After a superlative start in the first Test against New Zealand Burns was unable to get past 50 in the second and the third Tests.
In the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval Burns struggled against the pink ball on a pitch that had more grass than usual.
Admitting that the pitch in Adelaide was not easy to bat on Burns is satisfied that he was able to contribute to a 2-0 series victory against New Zealand.
“I think it was the nature of the wicket, having a bit more grass on it, every ball seemed to nibble a little bit, and when you got a good ball it was very hard not to get out.
“As an opening batter your job changes from innings to innings.
“I guess it is always nice to make more runs, you always want to make more.
“But at the end of the day to win the series convincingly (2-0) is a very satisfying feeling.”
The three-match Test series between Australia and West Indies will begin with the first Test at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on 10th December.
© Cricket World 2015
