India, a perfect destination for pink ball cricket: Burns

The opener, however, is no stranger to pink ball Test cricket. After featuring in numerous domestic tournaments with the pink ball, Burns was a part of the inaugural day/night Test against New Zealand in Adelaide last year. “It is very different to the red ball. We played some first class cricket with the pink one. In my opinion, the day/night Test is a great concept. The usage of pink ball will continue to develop and improve as a product. There is an exciting future for Test cricket,” Burns said.   

Burns, currently in the city training at the MRF Pace Foundation as part of Australia’s training ahead of the series against Sri Lanka, gave a thumbs up for the day/night Test cricket in the sub-continent. “The usage of pink ball will be more suitable in Indian conditions, to be honest. It was a challenge with swing and bounce with the new ball under lights in Australia. With the sub-continent offering slower wickets, it is best suited, in my opinion,” Burns said. 

Burns, however, couldn’t make a huge impact in Adelaide. The right-handed batsman managed only 14 and 11 in the match and highlighted the experience of playing under the lights with the pink ball. “The spin on the ball was what we anticipated. We felt visibility was an issue.” “The seam was difficult to spot at times. I feel, the more we play, the easier it will become. It is just a matter of time before more countries will try and introduce the concept,” Burns added.  

After making his debut against India in Melbourne in 2014, Burns was dropped from the senior side on the subsequent tour. However, a trip to the sub-continent with the ‘A’ team changed his fortunes as the opener cemented his place in the senior side. 

“I love coming to India and playing here. It poses a good challenge always. The conditions and the way the game is played is different and that’s what I enjoy. I come up against fantastic players every time and those spells against India have helped me shape my career for the better,” the 26-year-old batsman said. With Cricket Australia roping in former Tamil Nadu all-rounder S. Sriram and former Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera as consultant coaches, the Aussies are hopeful of a good performance in their upcoming tour to Sri Lanka. 

“Sriram has good experience and is a great teacher. He has a great relationship with the players. Having someone from the subcontinent instills confidence in your game plan. We can brainstorm about new ideas and they are valuable to our group,” Burns added.