Burns soothed by Langer explanation

A phone call from Australia coach Justin Langer has provided Queensland batsman Joe Burns clarity around his representative future as the Test side prepares to take on Pakistan this week without him.

Burns is Australia's incumbent Test opener after he was parachuted in for the fourth Test of the controversial South Africa tour in April, but the 29-year-old was not selected for the two-Test series in the UAE that starts on Sunday.

While disappointed with being overlooked, Burns says a chat with Langer has put him in a good frame of mind on what he must do to add to his 14 Tests in the Baggy Green.

"I had a good chat with JL, he called me the day after the team announcement," Burns said on Wednesday night after scoring an unbeaten 80 in Queensland's upset win over South Australia in the JLT One-Day Cup.

"I really appreciate the call from Justin and it's really positive going forward.

"Just got to get your head down, work hard and make runs.

"It's a very hard team to make, the Australian cricket team, so all you can do is make runs and if opportunities arise take them from there."

While Burns will be in Australia with Queensland when the first Test in Dubai rolls around, five of his Bulls teammates could be playing against Pakistan.

It's unlikely the full quintet of Usman Khawaja, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne will feature in the same XI, but there appears a good chance three Queenslanders might take the field.

Khawaja is a certainty and Neser is the frontrunner to partner Mitch Starc with the new ball, while one of Renshaw or Labuschagne is expected to fill a spot in the batting order.

"I'm actually getting a little bit nervous for that first Test to see those boys get out there and have a crack," Burns said.

"It's really exciting times for Queensland cricket. Exciting games here and to see individuals playing for the country is really fantastic."

Should Labuschagne make his Test debut in place of Renshaw who was concussed in Australia's tour game and has struggled with injury for a large part of the winter, he will have few bigger supporters than Burns.

"He's worked incredibly hard and developed his game immensely over the past few years for Queensland," said Burns.

"It's exciting to see him get that opportunity, he's a handy leg-spin bowler as well and obviously a very good fielder.

"I think he will give them a lot in Dubai, hopefully there is an opportunity there.

"Marnus will be lapping it up trying to learn as much as he can. That's all you can ask for a young player.

"He's got a great appetite for learning so it's going to be a great experience for him whether he plays or not he will continue to grow from there.

"And hopefully implement the stuff he learns over there in the Australian domestic season once he comes back."

The Bulls' JLT Cup win over South Australia now sees them play Tasmania in a semi-final in Sydney on Saturday.