My dad didn't believe I was selected for Boxing Day Test: Joe Burns

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Melbourne, Dec 22: Young batsman Joe Burns' selection in the Australian cricket team for the third Test against India was so unexpected that his own father had refused to believe the news.

The 25-year-old, who was named a shock replacement for injured all-rounder Mitchell Marsh yesterday, spoke of his father's surprise and his own joy at getting a national call-up.

"My Dad didn't believe me, so that's a little bit disappointing. I am a massive Australian cricket fan who just happens to play cricket himself," Burns was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.

"I am a cricket nuffy. I follow the game closely and I love it. That makes Boxing Day even more special, knowing how big this day is in the Australian sport calendar.

"As an Australian cricket fan the Boxing Day Test is always something that comes to your mind, the day after Christmas when you sit on the back deck watching the cricket," he added.

Burns has been rewarded for a brilliant run in the Sheffield Shield this year, scoring 439 runs at an average of 55. He has scored 2978 runs at an average of 42.54 at the first-class level.

'Looking forward to train under Lehmann'

The youngster, who is also pursuing a degree in Economics, said he is looking forward to train under national coach Darren Lehmann.

"I am looking forward to having Boof (Lehmann) as Australian coach as I really enjoyed playing underneath him," Burns said. "It is going to be with great pride that I can say he is my Australian coach."

Asked if he would feel any pressure in his debut Test, which starts on Friday, Burns said, "In terms of the pressure I think I will just enjoy the experience and enjoy the moment."

"It is something that I've always dreamed of, and now I'm pinching myself thinking it may become a reality."

PTI