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.

England all rounder Danielle Wyatt looking to be unbeaten in New Zealand

England and Staffordshire all rounder Danielle Wyatt admits that defeat on the tour of New Zealand would mean failure.

Wyatt is part of England’s 15 woman squad for the trip to New Zealand this month, which consists of five Twenty20s and three ODIs and the 20 year old says the side are going there to win every game and make a statement to the world ahead of the World Twenty20 in September.

She said: “We had a team meeting and Charlotte (Edwards) said our aim is to win every game and if we lose one game we will come back very disappointed.

“We shouldn’t be losing to New Zealand with the team we have now. The squad is really strong and there is now competition for places with everybody willing to play. So we will go to win every game and start to build momentum to take into the World cup.”

With confidence high in the squad, they are looking be aggressive and take the attack to the White Ferns who are under the new captaincy of Suzie Bates.

Wyatt continued: “In team meetings we talk about being brave and showing intent with the bat upfront and make use of the powerplays, this also means that Edwards can play her own game.

“Some of their players have retired, which means fresh faces in the squad who I don’t know a lot about, but they have a strong team who can get on top of you.

“They’ve got some good batters at the top of the order so we will have to strike early and get them out pretty cheaply, but they won’t be full of confidence as they have just lost a series against Australia 4-1”

Personally for Wyatt it presents a chance to secure a place in the side ahead of an action packed 15 months for England.

She said: “We’ve got three warm up games in New Zealand before the Twenty20s so I hope to play in them and then play in the first Twenty20.

“I’ve got to make sure I perform in New Zealand, make sure I’m fit and keep performing for Staffs.

“I feel I have improved my game in all three departments after my time in Australia and hopefully I can take this onto the international scene.”

Wyatt spent the winter playing for Victoria where she helped them win the twenty20 competition for the third time running, claiming player of the match in the final, hitting 39 from 38 balls.

The 20 year old said: “I really enjoyed my time there and it was a huge achievement for the team and me. For an English player to win player of the match in an Australian final is something to be proud of.

“I’m feeling really confident now going to New Zealand after my time in Australia.

“It’s a big tour for us, if we win every game the world will be scared of us.”