Leicestershire have recruited Australian Joe Burns

Leicestershire CCC have confirmed the signing of Australia A batsmen Joe Burns, as their overseas player for the majority of the 2013 season.

Joe Burns signs for Leicestershire CCC

Burns has been in impressive form for Queensland in the last two seasons, topping the clubs batting averages in the Sheffield Shield in 2011/2012, scoring 781 runs at 41.10, as well as notching up 146 runs in three list A games.

Last season was equally exciting, scoring 900 across all three formats for Queensland, Brisbane Heat and Australia A. This included top scoring for the Heat with 43 in the KFC Big Bash final as they went on to beat Perth Scorchers. Overall the batsman records an average of 40.62 in 41 first class innings, scoring 1503 runs.

The 23 year old has already imposed himself on the top county bowlers, as he made 114 for Australia A last month against the England Lions, which boasted an attack of Stuart Meaker, Chris Wright, Craig Overton, Simon Kerrigan, Scott Borthwick and Rikki Clarke.

Burns speaking about his move to Grace Road said: “I’m very excited to get the opportunity to join Leicestershire for the 2013 season. In my discussions with the staff of LCCC, I feel this is a fantastic opportunity personally for myself and to continue to develop my cricket and to perform at the highest level.

“I’ve heard great things about the club’s setup and players and I am very motivated with the ambition of promotion in the county championship. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team in May and contributing to a successful and enjoyable season”

Burns will be welcomed at Grace Road on May 15, making his debut against Glamorgan in the LV=CC and will depart on August 30, which will see him play seven LV=CC games, 11 YB4o matches and the whole of the FL t20. He will appear as West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan leaves for international commitments, but the 32 year old will return for the end of the season.

Leicestershire CCC Chief Executive Mike Siddall said: “We are delighted to have signed the up and coming batsmen Joe Burns. We are hoping he will have a similar impact at Grace Road as previous Australian overseas players, Brad Hodge and Michael Bevan. Joe is on the fringes of the Australian team and will be keen to impress during and Ashes year in England.”

Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Phil Whitticase said: “I am really pleased that Joe is joining Leicestershire. He is a talented batsman with a bright future ahead of him. His availability, before departing for the 2013 Champions League at the end of August, dovetails perfectly with Ronnie Sarwan and we expect both players to make a big impact during the season.”

Burns’ actions in Australia were rewarded as he won the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Award and joined a long list of players, such as Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee and Shane Watson. Every player that has been honoured with the accolade has gone on to represent Australia in at least one format at the international level; Leicestershire will be hoping they are the beneficiaries of the promise he has shown.