Surrey CCC captain Rory Burns determined to be back in England’s top order

Surrey skipper Rory Burns says fatherhood has not changed him as he seeks to win back his place at the top of the order for England.

While he is yet to make a hundred this season, Burns has been as consistent as any of those in the frame for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s in a few weeks’ time, having made 386 runs at an average of 48.25.

After missing the tour of Sri Lanka to attend the birth of his first child, the 30-year-old left-hander lost his spot midway through the India series – the first time he had been dropped in two-and-a-half years in the Test side.

But he was by no means alone in finding the spin-friendly conditions in India alien to him.

“From my perspective, the way those Tests were going, I think you could have left out any of the batters at various points,” said Burns.

“The way they were set up they were loaded in India’s favour, which is their prerogative, but it wasn’t conducive to opening the batting in terms of how we see it in this country.

“I don’t think outwardly there is anything to prove.

“There’s a bit of credit in the bank there in terms of what I’ve done over a period of time.

“But, quite frankly, it’s more about what’s going on between my ears, how I’m approaching the game and how I’m doing things in terms of leading this Surrey side.

“That’s my main point of focus. Being a Surrey player and leading Surrey how I want to lead Surrey that’s what’s important to me and what I’m focusing on.

“Captaining is something I really enjoy. There’s been a few rule tweaks that have come in this year. The toss is back, which is a good thing in my opinion, and eight points for a draw is something that lends itself to good hard cricket.”

Burns said the feedback he was given by Chris Silverwood, England’s manager, and captain Joe Root has motivated him to be the best player he possibly can.

“I had an honest conversation with both of them and got feedback in certain areas,” said Burns.

“But it was just like the end of any tour – you draw a line under it, you evaluate and assess what’s gone on and then you come back and you try and prove yourself.

“For me all I want to do is keep trying to improve. It sounds a little bit cliched but there’s areas I am working on.

“The main thing moving forward from it is you analyse it and assess it yourself and you come out the other side a better player.

“There’s different challenges wherever you go. Playing in England presents its challenges, particularly early season. But there’s also opportunities. It’s basically how you see them and how you want to approach them.”

On becoming a father for the first time, Burns said: “It’s a fairly big moment in your life.

“It probably does lend a different perspective. But I’ve always prided myself on having a pretty decent perspective throughout my career, in terms of taking the rough with the smooth.

“The first six days out in India were nice in terms of catching up with sleep, which is always handy, but I love being a dad.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD