Lehmann behind Burns' rise
Test debutant Joe Burns credits Darren Lehmann's influence as Queensland coach for his rise to international ranks.
Lehmann began coaching Burns four years ago and had an immediate impact.
The 25-year-old will make his Test debut against India at the MCG today, and will bat at No.6 in place of injured Mitch Marsh.
Although he is a self-confessed cricket tragic, Burns has never attended a Boxing Day Test.
He said he owed his baggy green cap to Lehmann.
"I was a young player when he took over," Burns said.
"Teaching me everything that goes with professional cricket was crucial … the values, the type of character, the way to go about the game on and off the field.
"I think I certainly am the player I am today and probably the person because of the influence he had on me from a younger age.
"I'm just excited to have him as my first Australian coach. It's very special.
"I couldn't have it any better having Boof in charge.
"The way that he coached in Queensland is the same as the way he coaches Australia. So, as a Queensland player coming into the set-up, it makes it a very easy transition."
Burns has scored 439 Sheffield Shield runs this season at an average of 54.87, including a brilliant 183 against NSW last month.
He will follow in the footsteps of Ed Cowan and Jackson Bird as Australians to debut on Boxing Day. Burns said he had been so focused on playing well for Queensland that he had never seriously thought about national selection.
"I had a feeling I was in the mix, but the nature of domestic cricket these days, you play so much cricket," Burns said.
"We went straight from the one tournament to shield cricket and then straight into the Big Bash. I didn't really have time to think where I was in the whole landscape.
"Even the day I got the news I was selected, we had a Brisbane Heat game that night."
Despite the obvious excitement that comes with international exposure, Burns has been keen to avoid attracting too much attention.
"I've been trying to keep a low profile," Burns said.
"I've been asking guys like Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris where to sit and what to do.
"I'm just trying to keep off everyone's toes and make sure I'm on my best behaviour.
"I got very nervous and just stood in the middle of the room until everyone else sat down and found a seat. Then I was informed I was in Michael Clarke's seat."
