Australia replace injured Mitchell Marsh with Burns

Sydney Sun (IANS) Sunday 21st December, 2014

Young batsman Joe Burns was Sunday roped into Australia's 13-man squad for the Boxing Day Test against India in place of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who injured his right hamstring during the second Test.

The 25-year-old, who is all set to make his Test debut, has been rewarded for his stellar show in the domestic circuit. Burns made a ton on Shield debut and boasts a first-class average of 42.54. It was the right-hander's knock of 183 against New South Wales at the Gabba Nov 16 that strengthened his case for selection, according to a Cricket Australia (CA) release.

Australian chief coach Darren Lehmann acknowledged veteran batsmen Ed Cowan and Adam Voges' stellar starts in the Sheffield Shield season, but suggested that Burns trumped them on two counts.

"We think he's the best man. He can fit anywhere from one to six (in the batting order). He gives us a little bit more flexibility compared to the other two ... and it's a chance to play a guy who is young."

Burns was naturally thrilled to have been included in the squad after National Selection Panel head Rod Marsh broke the news to him.

"It took a fair while to sink in. I'm over the moon at the news as it is the best Christmas present I could ever hope for," he said.

"I'll get sorted before the (Brisbane Heat) game tonight and then see what I have to do tomorrow but I'm just so happy."

Opening batsman David Warner is expected to recover in time from the minor thumb injury that he sustained while batting in the second innings at the Gabba. Fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle, who returned to training after being rested for the second Test, are most likely to be back at Melbourne, as well.

Australia's squad for the third Test:

David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (Capt), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle.

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Homesick Jihadis Seek Path Back Home to Australia

SYDNEY - Australia is ruling out any leniency for returning jihadis following reports that at least three of its citizens fighting with Islamic State militants in Syria want to return home. Lawyers say the men have become disenchanted and could play a valuable role in efforts to stop the radicalization of young Muslims in Australia, but the government insists homesick fighters will be prosecuted and jailed if they return.
Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he will not show mercy to citizens who join militant groups abroad but then regret it and try to return home. He was responding to reports that three Australians fighting with Islamist groups in Syria are in talks about returning. A lawyer for one man said his client was disillusioned with jihad and could help dissuade others from joining up, but he conceded he was unlikely to return to Australia in "the current context."
During six months with militant fighters, he reportedly witnessed crucifixions and people being stoned to death.
The man, a convert to Islam, who is a nurse, has said he has become disillusioned, and misses his family and wants to come home.
But Abbott said homesick jihadis will not be shown any leniency.
"If you go abroad to kill innocent people in the name of misguided fundamentalism and extremism, if you go abroad to become an Islamist killer, well, we are hardly going to welcome you back into this country. The Australian people expect their country to be safe and someone who has been a terrorist abroad could very easily become a terrorist here in Australia," said Abbott.
It is estimated that more than 100 Australians have joined radical Islamic groups in Iraq and Syria.
Last year, the government made it an offense to travel to conflict zones in the Middle East without good reason, with those charged facing up to 10 years in prison.
In September, Canberra raised its domestic threat level to high and has since carried out a series of counter-terrorism raids, with several alleged plots foiled in recent months.