Opener Burns not feeling the pressure

Australian opener Joe Burns says he is not feeling any pressure despite what looms as a make or break first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.

Joe Burns.

Australian opener Joe Burns says he is not feeling any pressure against the West Indies in Hobart. (AAP)

Pressure? What pressure.

Joe Burns has defied speculation over his future as Australian opener, saying he feels comfortable in the role despite what could be a make or break first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.

Selectors are thought to be considering another batting order reshuffle with Usman Khawaja (hamstring) set to return for the Boxing Day Test against the Windies in Melbourne.

There is speculation Burns may be demoted to the middle order, or even squeezed out by Shaun Marsh following Khawaja's return, after the opener's recent troubles with New Zealand.

Burns has managed scores of 40, 0, 14 and 11 at the top of the order since his sparkling 129 in the Gabba first Test against the Kiwis.

Burns admitted he wanted another "big score" but said he was not feeling any pressure ahead of the first Test in Hobart starting on December 10.

"With the role I feel really comfortable," Burns said.

"It's where I have had success and that success has led to selection for Australia.

"I take a lot of confidence from that.

"I haven't had any real feedback (from Australian coach Darren Lehmann) - I know what my job is."

Khawaja struck 174 and 121 against New Zealand before breaking down in the second Test in Perth.

The 28-year-old on Wednesday claimed he was "ahead of schedule" in his race to be fit for the second Test against the Windies at the MCG.

And Marsh pleased big fan Lehmann with his pivotal 49 that helped steer Australia home to a tight win in the historic day-night Adelaide Test.

There is a school of thought that Burns' technique against the new ball had been found wanting against New Zealand in the third Test - albeit against a lively pink ball on a green deck.

However, selectors are believed to be concerned Burns may be found out again on similarly juicy wickets in February's tour of New Zealand.

But Burns isn't worried about his third Test display.

"I think it was the nature of the wicket, having a bit more grass on it, every ball seemed to nibble a little bit, and when you got a good ball it was very hard not to get out," Burns said of his Adelaide form.

"As an opening batter your job changes from innings to innings.

"I guess it is always nice to make more runs, you always want to make more.

"But at the end of the day to win the series convincingly (2-0) is a very satisfying feeling."


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Source: AAP


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