​The 36-year-old Burns, who played 23 Tests for Australia, led Italy in the World Cup qualifiers where they secured a place at the global tournament with wins over Guernsey and Scotland. The Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI) have subsequently announced Wayne Madsen, the veteran Derbyshire batter, as captain for a series against Ireland and the T20 World Cup.

The board did not give an official reason for Burns’ axing but said in a statement the decision “responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives”