“He Was Not Someone to Mess With” – Joe Burns Recalls Virat Kohli’s Fiery Reply in 2014 MCG Test

Former Australian batter Joe Burns, who is now leading Italy, recently recalled how sledging Virat Kohli in 2014 went wrong for him. Burns made his debut against India in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

He said that he tried to break Kohli’s focus by telling him to play some shots during his innings. But the plan failed badly as Kohli gave a sharp reply, reminding Burns that he was only making his debut. With Kohli close to his century, Burns, who was fielding at short leg, finally tried to sledge the star batter after keeping quiet for a long time. But the move backfired for the 24-year-old, as Kohli told him not to speak and called him a “rookie.”

Joe Burns Recalls Kohli Clash in 2014 MCG Test

Former Australia batter Joe Burns, now leading Italy, remembered how his debut sledging of Virat Kohli backfired in the 2014 MCG Test.

Burns said, “I’m fairly certain Virat scored 100 that day. There was a little bit of talk going on. Not real sledging, just some comments from behind the stumps. I was in close, and after four hours of silence, I said one line – ‘Virat, you got to play some shots’.”

Kohli stopped bowler Nathan Lyon, turned to Burns and said, “You don’t talk, rookie.” On the very next ball, Kohli smashed a cover drive for four. Burns admitted it was very embarrassing for him and that he stayed quiet for the next four days.

Also Read -PSL enters key phase as overseas company handles valuation and fees

Kohli’s Big Innings

Kohli went on to score a superb 169 runs off 272 balls with 18 fours, which was his highest Test score at that time. He also scored 54 in the second innings to help India draw the match. Kohli later scored another century in Sydney and finished the series with 692 runs in eight innings at an average of 86.50 with four centuries. Despite his heroics, India lost the series 0-2.

Burns Now Plays for Italy

Joe Burns, who was just 24 at the time of his debut, said Kohli showed him he was not someone to mess with. Now aged 36, Burns has retired from Australian cricket and represents Italy in memory of his late brother. Under his captaincy, Italy recently qualified for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.