In 2020, Joe Burns was opening the batting for Australia at the iconic MCG in a Boxing Day Test against India. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s achieved something no one saw coming: captaining Italy to their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup.
Burns qualified to represent Italy through his mother's heritage. But this was more than a career revival. It was a personal mission, a tribute to his late brother, Dominic. Burns now wears jersey number 85, the same number Dominic once wore. In honouring his brother’s memory, Burns has etched his own name in Italian cricket history.
Italy Among Elite European Cricket Nations
By qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026, Italy became only the fifth European nation to do so, joining England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland. Their ticket was punched not through luck, but by beating Scotland, a consistent force in associate cricket, during the European Qualifiers.
And yes, they lost their last game to the Netherlands but by then, the job was already done. Their net run rate, boosted by earlier dominant performances, kept them ahead.
Italy’s Cricket Team Isn’t a Fairytale, It’s Stacked
This isn’t a team of weekend warriors. Italy’s squad features professional cricketers with top-level experience.
- Ben Manenti, a mainstay in Australian domestic cricket with South Australia and Tasmania, was clinical with the ball throughout the qualifiers.
- Harry Manenti, his brother and fellow BBL alum, delivered crucial spells — especially in the win over Scotland. Grant Stewart, who plays for Kent in English county cricket, added all-round balance.
- Emilio Gay, an opener for Durham, brought stability at the top.
- And then there’s Thomas Draca — the first Italian cricketer ever shortlisted for an IPL auction. While he didn’t get picked, he’s part of the MI Emirates squad in the ILT20.
Italy's Qualification Was Earned, Not Gifted
Italy’s road to the World Cup wasn’t paved by others’ failures. They had to beat a top-tier associate in Scotland, manage a tight net run rate scenario, and stay composed under pressure. Even after losing to the Netherlands in their final qualifier game, their earlier work held strong.
This wasn’t a loophole or a lucky break. Italy earned this!.
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