In 2006, Italy reigned supreme in the world of football, FIFA World Cup champions for a fourth time in their illustrious history. The people of Rome, Milan, and Naples went wild with celebrations, the Azzurri forever carved in the sport's golden annals. Roll forward to 2025, and Italy has just done the same thing but with an entirely different sporting achievement—its national cricket team has qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Yes, cricket. In Italy. &nbsp;It's not merely a strange headline or a heartwarming tale of a plucky underdog. It's a moment that underscores the changing international character of cricket, the surprise emergence of associate countries, and perhaps, quietly, the remaking of Italy as a sports nation beyond its football-had-to-be-first persona.<h2>A tale of two sports</h2>In order to measure the size of this achievement, one must first understand the background. Italy, the football colossus, failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022—a collapse that shook a country that is obsessed with football. Those two failed tournaments were not solely football failures; they were national failures, identity crises in football boots. Meanwhile, another team was silently crafting its own story. Italy's cricket team was climbing up the ranks of the ICC's associate setup. And in July 2025, they did what was unimaginable a decade prior: Italy earned qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. There has been cricket played in Italy for more than a century, but it was very much a niche sport—sustained by expat communities from the South Asia region and the UK. The shift occurred when the ICC ramped up investment in associate country grassroots and high-performance programmes. Italy, under the administration of the Federazione Cricket Italiana, began to make its cricketing aspirations a priority. Systems grew, and facilities improved, with coaching formalised. Home competitions developed in strength. The outcome was a side that didn't merely play European regional qualifiers—they started to dominate them.<h2>Symbolism beyond sport</h2>Italy's qualification for cricket has this unusual and symbolic duality. On the one hand, it's a tale of redemption of a sporting nation for new avenues following its football heartbreaks. And on the other, it's the quiet, consistent ascent of cricket as an international game, no longer limited to its customary bastions of South Asia, Australasia, or the UK. This is also an account of migration and multiculturalism. The same constituencies that usually reside on the fringes of Italian society have now pridefully added their flags to the national one in a wholly unexpected context. Cricket, usually stereotypical of post-colonial British exportation, is now being forcefully utilised by Italians with flair, intent, and pride.<h2>What's next?</h2>The true test starts in 2026. Italy will be placed with full-member nations, some of the finest T20 teams around the globe. They won't win much. They might get beat. But they will be home. &nbsp;Already, Italian media are realising cricket's hour. School children in Naples and Bologna are learning to handle plastic bats in playgrounds. Regional clubs are contacting the cricket federation, hoping to host matches or create teams. It's not just a qualification—it might be the beginning of a cricketing rebirth in Southern Europe. Football might still be king—but cricket has found its voice. It would be naive to set football and cricket against each other in Italy. One is an old religion, the other a new curiosity. But Italian qualification for the World Cup is not a matter of substituting one for the other. It's about growth, about narrative, about including new dreams. If 2006 was Italy's year of footballing triumph, and the subsequent years were spent in introspection and change, then perhaps 2026 will be a year of sporting reimagining—when Italy, bold and fiery, takes to a cricket pitch in front of the global audience and proves that greatness is not just one thing, but many things, on many pitches. For in sport, as in life, the greatest stories tend to start when no one is looking.

Not just pasta and Pirlo Italy serves a cricketing surprise as it qualifies for ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026

In 2006, Italy reigned supreme in the world of football, FIFA World Cup champions for a fourth time in their illustrious history. The people of Rome, Milan, and Naples went wild with celebrations, the Azzurri forever carved in the sport's golden annals. Roll forward to 2025, and Italy has just done the same thing but with an entirely different sporting achievement—its national cricket team has qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Yes, cricket. In Italy. It's not merely a strange headline or a heartwarming tale of a plucky underdog. It's a moment that underscores the changing international character of cricket, the surprise emergence of associate countries, and perhaps, quietly, the remaking of Italy as a sports nation beyond its football-had-to-be-first persona. A tale of two sports In order to measure the size of this achievement, one must first understand the background. Italy, the football colossus, failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022—a collapse that shook a country that is obsessed with football. Those two failed tournaments were not solely football failures; they were national failures, identity crises in football boots. Meanwhile, another team was silently crafting its own story. Italy's cricket team was climbing up the ranks of the ICC's associate setup. And in July 2025, they did what was unimaginable a decade prior: Italy earned qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. There has been cricket played in Italy for more than a century, but it was very much a niche sport—sustained by expat communities from the South Asia region and the UK. The shift occurred when the ICC ramped up investment in associate country grassroots and high-performance programmes. Italy, under the administration of the Federazione Cricket Italiana, began to make its cricketing aspirations a priority. Systems grew, and facilities improved, with coaching formalised. Home competitions developed in strength. The outcome was a side that didn't merely play European regional qualifiers—they started to dominate them. Symbolism beyond sport Italy's qualification for cricket has this unusual and symbolic duality. On the one hand, it's a tale of redemption of a sporting nation for new avenues following its football heartbreaks. And on the other, it's the quiet, consistent ascent of cricket as an international game, no longer limited to its customary bastions of South Asia, Australasia, or the UK. This is also an account of migration and multiculturalism. The same constituencies that usually reside on the fringes of Italian society have now pridefully added their flags to the national one in a wholly unexpected context. Cricket, usually stereotypical of post-colonial British exportation, is now being forcefully utilised by Italians with flair, intent, and pride. What's next? The true test starts in 2026. Italy will be placed with full-member nations, some of the finest T20 teams around the globe. They won't win much. They might get beat. But they will be home. Already, Italian media are realising cricket's hour. School children in Naples and Bologna are learning to handle plastic bats in playgrounds. Regional clubs are contacting the cricket federation, hoping to host matches or create teams. It's not just a qualification—it might be the beginning of a cricketing rebirth in Southern Europe. Football might still be king—but cricket has found its voice. It would be naive to set football and cricket against each other in Italy. One is an old religion, the other a new curiosity. But Italian qualification for the World Cup is not a matter of substituting one for the other. It's about growth, about narrative, about including new dreams. If 2006 was Italy's year of footballing triumph, and the subsequent years were spent in introspection and change, then perhaps 2026 will be a year of sporting reimagining—when Italy, bold and fiery, takes to a cricket pitch in front of the global audience and proves that greatness is not just one thing, but many things, on many pitches. For in sport, as in life, the greatest stories tend to start when no one is looking.

Cricket has been played in Italy for over a century, but it remained largely a niche sport—kept alive by expatriate communities from South Asia and the UK

Not just pasta and Pirlo: Italy serves a cricketing surprise as it qualifies for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns said Tuesday he will represent Italy in their bid to reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in tribute to his late brother. The 34-year-old, who has Italian heritage, will have 85 on his back for his new country -- the year of his brother's birth and the same number his sibling wore in local Australian cricket.

Burns, who lost his brother Dominic in February, played 23 Tests for Australia between 2014 and 2020. "This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey," Burns wrote on Instagram, together with a picture of an Italian team top with the number 85 on it. "This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/eng-vs-pak-england-captain-jos-buttler-to-miss-third-t20i-for-birth-of-child-726248">Eng vs Pak: England captain Jos Buttler to miss third T20I for birth of child</a>

Detailing his heartbreak at the death of his brother, Burns added: "While a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength."

Burns now looks set to feature for cricketing minnows Italy in sub-regional qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup. "The fields of Rome may be a long way from the Gabba, MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) or our front yard growing up," he wrote. "But I feel like I'm coming home. Grazie."

Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns said Tuesday he will represent Italy in their bid to reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in tribute to his late brother. The 34-year-old, who has Italian heritage, will have 85 on his back for his new country -- the year of his brother's birth and the same number his sibling wore in local Australian cricket.

Former Australia Test opener Joe Burns said Tuesday he will represent Italy in their bid to reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in tribute to his late brother. The 34-year-old, who has Italian heritage, will have 85 on his back for his new country -- the year of his brother's birth and the same number his sibling wore in local Australian cricket. Burns, who lost his brother Dominic in February, played 23 Tests for Australia between 2014 and 2020. "This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey," Burns wrote on Instagram, together with a picture of an Italian team top with the number 85 on it. "This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above." Also read: Eng vs Pak: England captain Jos Buttler to miss third T20I for birth of child Detailing his heartbreak at the death of his brother, Burns added: "While a part of my soul feels like it will always be missing, I know this shirt will carry on his spirit and give me strength." Burns now looks set to feature for cricketing minnows Italy in sub-regional qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup. "The fields of Rome may be a long way from the Gabba, MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) or our front yard growing up," he wrote. "But I feel like I'm coming home. Grazie."

Former Australia Test cricketer Joe Burns to play for Italy | Here's why

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team.

However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series.

"We know we have opened up some scars.

"We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a>

"Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that.

"In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging."

"The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters.

Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021.&nbsp;

"We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-after-adelaide-horror-indian-team-set-to-make-5-changes-in-playing-xi-351314" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI</a>

"Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time.

"We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury."

India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team. However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series. "We know we have opened up some scars. "We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India "Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that. "In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging." "The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters. Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021. "We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI "Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time. "We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury." India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-may-miss-test-against-south-africa-271563">Nathan&nbsp;Lyon</a>&nbsp;took 5-68 as a dominant&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

Already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Perth and Melbourne, New Zealand have been ravaged by illness and injury and now face a huge battle to avoid a third heavy loss before they head home.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-labuschagne-leads-as-australia-take-charge-in-sydney-271812">Sydney</a>&nbsp;Cricket Ground was turned pink for the 12th straight year in aid of cricketing great Glenn McGrath's breast cancer foundation but there was nothing charitable about&nbsp;Australia's approach to the match.

Openers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">David Warner</a> (23) and Joe Burns (16) steered the hosts to 40 without loss at stumps to add to the first-innings tally of 454 built on the back of Marnus Labuschagne's maiden double century.

It was the&nbsp;Australian bowling attack, though, that once again set the tone as they took all 10 New Zealand wickets for the fifth time in the series.

Off-spinner&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;carried the ball off the pitch to huge applause an hour after tea after he had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-new-zealand-woes-continue-with-bowler-matt-henry-injury-272088">Matt Henry</a> stumped to end New Zealand's innings and secure the 17th&nbsp;five-wicket haul of his career, his first against the Black Caps.

"It's always special being part of the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;test match and playing in front of your family and friends, and to perform in the first innings was pretty special,"&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;said.

"There's still plenty of work to do in the second dig&nbsp;but if you were rocking up today and saying we'd end up with a lead of 240 and 10 wickets in hand, we'll take that every day," he added.

Henry batted despite breaking the thumb on his non-bowling hand on day one of the match, the latest in a catalogue of misfortune that robbed the tourists of captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> and a string of other top players.

Glenn Phillips, flown over from New Zealand on the eve of the test to cover for the sick Williamson and Nicholls, offered the most resistance with a 52 on his test debut.

The 23-year-old enjoyed some luck when he was dropped twice by the normally reliable&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;and again just before tea when he was caught in the deep off a James Pattinson no-ball.

He brought up his maiden half-century with a brilliant pull shot through square but two balls later were clean bowled by paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-neser-likely-to-debut-in-australias-five-bowler-ploy-270113">Pat Cummins</a>, who took 3-44 to show once again why he is the world's top-ranked test bowler.

"It was a really enjoyable time out there," Phillips said. "It's a shame I wasn't able to go on and extend the innings a bit, but that's cricket."

Lyon&nbsp;tops a few lists of his own these days and it was the unassuming off-spinner who broke New Zealand's early resistance after they had resumed on 63 without loss.

He bowled opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-grandhomme-removes-labuschagne-as-australia-move-to-155-3-at-tea-270279">Tom Blundell</a> for 34 and trapped Jeet Raval leg before wicket for 31 in the first session and returned after tea to send back tailenders Will Sommerville and Neil Wagner, both for ducks, in a magnificent two-wicket maiden.

Conditions were much cooler than on Saturday's second day but there was a distinct smell of smoke in the air from the bushfires that have been raging around&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;for the last couple of months.

Nathan Lyon took 5-68 as a dominant Australia dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

Nathan Lyon took 5-68 as a dominant Australia dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday. Already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Perth and Melbourne, New Zealand have been ravaged by illness and injury and now face a huge battle to avoid a third heavy loss before they head home. The Sydney Cricket Ground was turned pink for the 12th straight year in aid of cricketing great Glenn McGrath's breast cancer foundation but there was nothing charitable about Australia's approach to the match. Openers David Warner (23) and Joe Burns (16) steered the hosts to 40 without loss at stumps to add to the first-innings tally of 454 built on the back of Marnus Labuschagne's maiden double century. It was the Australian bowling attack, though, that once again set the tone as they took all 10 New Zealand wickets for the fifth time in the series. Off-spinner Lyon carried the ball off the pitch to huge applause an hour after tea after he had Matt Henry stumped to end New Zealand's innings and secure the 17th five-wicket haul of his career, his first against the Black Caps. "It's always special being part of the Sydney test match and playing in front of your family and friends, and to perform in the first innings was pretty special," Lyon said. "There's still plenty of work to do in the second dig but if you were rocking up today and saying we'd end up with a lead of 240 and 10 wickets in hand, we'll take that every day," he added. Henry batted despite breaking the thumb on his non-bowling hand on day one of the match, the latest in a catalogue of misfortune that robbed the tourists of captain Kane Williamson and a string of other top players. Glenn Phillips, flown over from New Zealand on the eve of the test to cover for the sick Williamson and Nicholls, offered the most resistance with a 52 on his test debut. The 23-year-old enjoyed some luck when he was dropped twice by the normally reliable Lyon and again just before tea when he was caught in the deep off a James Pattinson no-ball. He brought up his maiden half-century with a brilliant pull shot through square but two balls later were clean bowled by paceman Pat Cummins, who took 3-44 to show once again why he is the world's top-ranked test bowler. "It was a really enjoyable time out there," Phillips said. "It's a shame I wasn't able to go on and extend the innings a bit, but that's cricket." Lyon tops a few lists of his own these days and it was the unassuming off-spinner who broke New Zealand's early resistance after they had resumed on 63 without loss. He bowled opener Tom Blundell for 34 and trapped Jeet Raval leg before wicket for 31 in the first session and returned after tea to send back tailenders Will Sommerville and Neil Wagner, both for ducks, in a magnificent two-wicket maiden. Conditions were much cooler than on Saturday's second day but there was a distinct smell of smoke in the air from the bushfires that have been raging around Sydney for the last couple of months.

Aus vs NZ: Nathan Lyon takes five as Australia dominate in Sydney

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra.

Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss at the Manuka Oval and put his side in on a flat track conducive to batting, a gambit that paid off after some early wobbles.

At stumps, they were a commanding 384 for four with Burns not out 172 and Kurtis Patterson, who was dropped first ball, on 25.

Head fell for 161 after a 308-run stand with Burns -- Australia's first stand over 200 since Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh achieved the feat in the third Test against England in December 2017.

Vishwa Fernando was the best of the bowlers with 3-99.

On a cool, overcast day, Burns and Head dug Australia out of a hole after they lost Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply to be in trouble at 28 for three.

After weathering the storm and as the new ball lost its shine, the pair started cashing in on a Sri Lankan attack missing their top bowlers and fieldsmen who put down a host of chances.

Back in the side after being overlooked for the series against Pakistan and India, opener Burns survived a dropped catch on 34, but was otherwise invincible and brought up his fourth Test ton off 147 balls with a single.

His 172 surpassed his previous high score of 170 against New Zealand in 2016.

Burns' knock was the first century for Australia since Khawaja's 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and only the second an Australian has scored since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 months ago.

Vice-captain Head soon followed suit, reaching his maiden hundred off 155 balls in his eighth Test with a boundary, capitalising on Dilruwan Perera dropping him on 87.&nbsp;

It puts the pair in prime position to be selected for the Ashes series later this year, with the Canberra Test -- the first-ever in the nation's capital -- Australia's last before their tour of England.&nbsp;

Dire start

Their partnership followed a dire start against a depleted attack and a team they had beaten by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at Brisbane.

Pace duo Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera picked up injuries in that rout, with the inexperienced Kasun Rajitha and Fernando taking their place.

And in a big blow, Suranga Lakmal, their best bowler in Brisbane, was ruled out on the morning of the Test with a stiff back, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne brought in as his replacement.

The three newcomers have only five Tests of experience between them, and they initially rose to the challenge.

Harris fell for 11 in the fourth over with a poorly executed square drive off Fernando caught at point by Karunarante.

The out-of-form Khawaja soon followed, lasting just three balls before offering a lazy jab at an out-swinger from Fernando. He was caught at slip by Kusal Mendis for nought, leaving Australia on 15 for two.

The gloom continued when Karunaratne struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, removing Labuschagne with an excellent angled delivery for six, caught off a thick edge by Niroshan Dickwella.

Burns watched the carnage at the other end and dug in, playing only the loose balls as he bided his time and waited for the bowlers to wilt.

Head followed a similar pattern with both men accelerating the run rate once the pressure of scoring centuries was past. Head was finally undone by Fernando, who snared him lbw.

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra.

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra. Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss at the Manuka Oval and put his side in on a flat track conducive to batting, a gambit that paid off after some early wobbles. At stumps, they were a commanding 384 for four with Burns not out 172 and Kurtis Patterson, who was dropped first ball, on 25. Head fell for 161 after a 308-run stand with Burns -- Australia's first stand over 200 since Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh achieved the feat in the third Test against England in December 2017. Vishwa Fernando was the best of the bowlers with 3-99. On a cool, overcast day, Burns and Head dug Australia out of a hole after they lost Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply to be in trouble at 28 for three. After weathering the storm and as the new ball lost its shine, the pair started cashing in on a Sri Lankan attack missing their top bowlers and fieldsmen who put down a host of chances. Back in the side after being overlooked for the series against Pakistan and India, opener Burns survived a dropped catch on 34, but was otherwise invincible and brought up his fourth Test ton off 147 balls with a single. His 172 surpassed his previous high score of 170 against New Zealand in 2016. Burns' knock was the first century for Australia since Khawaja's 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and only the second an Australian has scored since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 months ago. Vice-captain Head soon followed suit, reaching his maiden hundred off 155 balls in his eighth Test with a boundary, capitalising on Dilruwan Perera dropping him on 87. It puts the pair in prime position to be selected for the Ashes series later this year, with the Canberra Test -- the first-ever in the nation's capital -- Australia's last before their tour of England. Dire start Their partnership followed a dire start against a depleted attack and a team they had beaten by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at Brisbane. Pace duo Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera picked up injuries in that rout, with the inexperienced Kasun Rajitha and Fernando taking their place. And in a big blow, Suranga Lakmal, their best bowler in Brisbane, was ruled out on the morning of the Test with a stiff back, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne brought in as his replacement. The three newcomers have only five Tests of experience between them, and they initially rose to the challenge. Harris fell for 11 in the fourth over with a poorly executed square drive off Fernando caught at point by Karunarante. The out-of-form Khawaja soon followed, lasting just three balls before offering a lazy jab at an out-swinger from Fernando. He was caught at slip by Kusal Mendis for nought, leaving Australia on 15 for two. The gloom continued when Karunaratne struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, removing Labuschagne with an excellent angled delivery for six, caught off a thick edge by Niroshan Dickwella. Burns watched the carnage at the other end and dug in, playing only the loose balls as he bided his time and waited for the bowlers to wilt. Head followed a similar pattern with both men accelerating the run rate once the pressure of scoring centuries was past. Head was finally undone by Fernando, who snared him lbw.

AUSvsSL, 2nd Test: Joe Burns, Travis Head put Australia in control against Sri Lanka

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Not just pasta and Pirlo: Italy serves a cricketing surprise as it qualifies for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Former Australia Test cricketer Joe Burns to play for Italy | Here's why

We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India

Aus vs NZ: Nathan Lyon takes five as Australia dominate in Sydney

AUSvsSL, 2nd Test: Joe Burns, Travis Head put Australia in control against Sri Lanka