A Spanish vacation was just the tonic for Joe Burns after his unlucky Ashes squad omission and, now set for a return to the top of the Australian order, he says he's ready to "show the world what he can do".
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Four Test hundreds and an average of 40.10 across 16 Tests, including 180 in his last appearance, indicates he's already done that.
But after beating Marcus Harris in the race to partner David Warner against Pakistan in the first Test at the Gabba next Thursday, Burns knows he has a chance to cement a spot after five years in and out of the side.
"I'm at the point in my career I've got so much experience behind me," the 30-year-old said.
"I'm just in a spot where I'm looking forward to playing Test match cricket and showing the world what I can do.
"I just feel like I've got the game to do it ... I can't wait."
Diagnosed with a form of chronic fatigue syndrome, the Queenslander recovered in time to vie for an Ashes berth before ultimately being cut at the final hurdle in favour of Harris and Cameron Bancroft, who will likely be the extra batsman in the squad for Brisbane.
Burns responded by taking time out in Spain and Germany while Australia retained the Ashes in England and has since averaged 40, with two half-centuries in three Sheffield Shield games for Queensland.
Chances of a recall appeared dashed when Burns was bowled for a golden duck before he made just 11 in the second innings in the Australia A "bat off" against Pakistan in Perth this week.
But Burns was confident his body of work spoke louder than his most recent outing.
"I didn't think about it (possibly missing a chance to push selection), my mind went to being better in the second innings," he said.
"I think selections come and go, I know how tough it can be to pick teams.
"You just have to roll with the punches and focus your mind on going forward."
Burns had already been dismissed when 16-year-old quick Naseem Shah was introduced in the second innings.
His express pace still caught the eye but Burns is confident Australia's top six will have the answers next week.
"It's a good bowling attack, they're very quick and I think they'll enjoy bowling at the Gabba, but we'll be ready to counter-attack everything they throw at us," he said.
Australian Associated Press
