Australia vs India, 2020-21: the only shot that made the difference for Joe Burns

Australia’s starter emerged from a losing streak with half a century to secure victory

It was a shot that made a huge difference for Joe Burns. When he latched on to a short ball from Umesh Yadav in the seventh over of Australia’s pursuit in Adelaide, he shot toward the square-leg fence like few shots he’s made this season. An hour later, he hit a six-point hook that brought half a century, a victory, and a sense of accomplishment.

Burns entered the series with 62 runs in nine innings for Queensland and Australia A this season. His position was the dominant topic of debate in the days leading up to the first test; he was informed that his spot was secured the day before the match. The injuries to David Warner and Will Pucovski may have helped diminish the options, but it was still a considerable show of faith.

In the early innings he struggled for more than an hour before falling to a limited lbw decision against Jasprit Bumrah. The next day, early in the chase (that’s how fast the game moved), he received a painful blow to the elbow from the same pitcher.

Burns revealed that during the last lap before interval, he was basically hitting with one hand before he was given painkillers and put on a leash. He was far from pain free, subsequent scans have freed him from any damage, but some jumps on the restart he was playing as freely as he has done all season.