Joe Burns diagnosed with 'fatigue disorder'

Australia opening batsman Joe Burns has been diagnosed with a fatigue disorder stemming from a virus he suffered in October 2018 which has left his hopes of a place in the Ashes squad hanging in the balance.

Burns ended his stint with Lancashire in county cricket after one match last month, and it has been revealed he was suffering extended symptoms of fatigue and burn-out, the timeline meaning he was playing with the condition for much of last season.

Although there is no timeframe yet for his return, a Queensland Cricket statement said it was anticipated he would be available in the "near future". It is understood that the Ashes series, which starts on August 1, remains a realistic aim for Burns.

"After consultation with specialists, he was diagnosed with a protracted post-infectious fatigue disorder dating back to an October 2018 viral infection," Queensland Cricket said. "Joe is currently undertaking a treatment period of rest and recuperation. A definite prognosis for a recovery is unavailable at present; however it is anticipated he will be fully available for cricket in the near future."

Burns is currently an incumbent opening batsman in the Test team after he was recalled to face Sri Lanka earlier this season. He made 180 in the second Test in Canberra - his fourth hundred in 16 Tests - but even before the illness his performance did not guarantee him an Ashes berth with David Warner's return to international cricket.

The men's Ashes squad will be named very late - after the inter-squad game between Australia and Australia A in Southampton at the end of July - to give the selectors as much time as possible to assess their options.

Burns was not named in the Australia A squad, instead left to take up his deal with Lancashire but, if his recovery goes well, the selectors could consider adding him to the group.