Joe Burns has completed the rare feat of hitting centuries for two separate nations, with Australia's former Test batter starring in one of his first appearances for Italy in Rome.
After making the decision to honour his late brother and try to help Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Burns hit 108 from 55 balls in a 160-run win over Romania on Sunday.
Burns' century was the highest score ever made by an Italian player and made him only the sixth man in history to hit hundreds for two different nations.
It came as Italy won through their qualifying tournament in Rome, granting them entry to next year's four-team European finals, from which two sides will advance.
Burns finished with 211 runs for the tournament at an average of 70.33 and a strike-rate of 144.52.
After dropping off Queensland's contract list this year, Burns made the call to honour his mother's Italian heritage and switch his allegiances to the European country.
In doing so, Burns opted to wear the No.85 on his playing jersey, the same number his late brother Dominic wore while playing club cricket in Brisbane.
"This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey," Burns wrote on Instagram last month.
"This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above.
"The days, weeks and months since my brother's death have been the toughest I could ever imagine.
"I'm not too proud to admit that it's been a daily battle that I often lose.
"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."
Other players to have scored centuries for different nations are Keppler Wessels, Gary Ballance, Ed Joyce, Eoin Morgan and Mark Chapman.
Burns played 23 Tests and six ODIs for Australia between 2014 and 2020, but is now uncontracted in both state cricket and the Big Bash League for this summer.
