Aussie opener Joe Burns leaves Lancashire 'for personal reasons'

Joe Burns' Ashes chances have taken a hit with the Australian batsman calling time on his stint with English county side Lancashire and heading home "for personal reasons". The 29-year-old, who scored a career-best 180 in Australia's last Test, against Sri Lanka in Canberra, signed as the club's overseas player as part of his build-up to the Ashes series against England, which starts on August 1.

He was due to be with them for most of the County Championship season, but made just one appearance.

"Lancashire Cricket can confirm that overseas batsman Joe Burns has returned to Australia due to personal reasons, and will now not be available for the club's 2019 campaign," it said in a statement.

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"Lancashire Cricket wishes Joe all the best, and it would be appreciated if his privacy is respected during this time."

The reason for his departure was not clear. Burns has been replaced in the Lancashire squad by fellow Australian Jake Lehmann, son of former national coach Darren Lehmann.

Meanwhile, the ICC Cricket World Cup is now just 9 days away and all teams are working regressively with the full fortitude to keep no box unturned. The five-time champions, Australia, will go into the competition to defend their title at the ICC World Cup beginning May 30 and Adam Zampa believes his attacking leg-spin combined with Nathan Lyon's precise off-spin can prove to be an important weapon for the team.

(With Inputs: PTI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joe Burns scored 180 in his last appearance for Australia.
• Ashes between Australia and England is set to bgin in August. 
• World Cup is scheduled to begin on May 30.