Incumbent Test opener and Ashes hopeful left Lancashire stint after experiencing symptoms of fatigue and burn-out
Burns diagnosed with 'fatigue disorder'
Joe Burns hopes to be available for cricket "in the near future" after it was revealed he has been battling a form of chronic fatigue syndrome for the past eight months.
Queensland Cricket today revealed the diagnosis of a protracted post-infectious fatigue disorder dating back to a viral infection that first afflicted him in October 2018.
His return to cricket remains unclear and hopes of featuring in this winter's Ashes Test series now a secondary consideration behind regaining full fitness.
Burns took to social media to thank supporters, writing: "Good to get a diagnosis and know what was going on."
"Everything is positive and plan to have a bit of rest now before getting back into full training soon."
Burns played the entirety of the 2018-19 domestic summer, forcing his way back into the Test team as well as playing key roles with the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat, while battling fatigue and burn-out.
He has been diagnosed with a complicated and little-understood phenomenon after consulting with specialists. It is described by the US National Library of Medicine as "an all-pervasive complex experience that substantially reduces the ability to function personally or professionally" with a patient's 'functional level' reduced by more than 50 per cent of what it was at pre-illness levels.
Against this context, Burns' 10 matches for the Bulls where he scored 685 runs at 38.05 with six fifties – the seventh most in the Shield competition – and his 180 against Sri Lanka in the Canberra Test match in February take on new light.
Burns played 12 first-class matches for 889 runs at 42.33 across the 2018-19 summer, seven one-day games with Queensland for 223 runs at 55.75, and five BBL games for the Heat.
Image Id: 99771A358CCC496DBEC22ADECEA92916 Image Caption: Joe Burns gets off the mark for Lancashire in his one game // SuppliedHe made a shock exit from Lancashire on the morning of what was to be his second County Championship game for the club in May. He made just the one appearance for the club, scoring 10 batting at No.3 in his only innings in a 10-wicket win for the team.
QC said Burns is on an indefinite period of rest and recuperation but the veteran of 16 Tests hoped to return to cricket "as soon as possible".
Thanks for the messages. Good to get a diagnosis and know what was going on. Everything is positive and plan to have a bit of rest now before getting back into full training soon. https://t.co/UnfHqnTNl0— Joe Burns (@joeburns441) June 4, 2019
"A definite prognosis for recovery is unavailable at present; however it is anticipated he will be fully available for cricket in the near future," the statement said.
Queensland Cricket CEO Max Walters said the organisation stood ready to provide any assistance the batsman would need to return to the field.
"We wish Joe the best in his recovery and look forward to helping him make a successful return as soon as possible,'' he said.