Joe Burns joins Leicestershire as Sarwan replacement

Leicestershire have signed Australia A batsman Joe Burns to replace captain Ramnaresh Sarwan when the West Indian is away on international duty.

Sarwan will be available for the first five Championship matches, but is then expected to be away with the West Indies for large parts of the season.

Queenslander Burns is due to arrive on 15 May and leave on 30 August.

The 23-year-old is on the verge of full international honours and has been a prolific run-scorer in his homeland.

"I'm very excited to get the opportunity to join Leicestershire for the 2013 season," Burns said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop my cricket and to perform at the highest level."

Burns posted 927 first-class runs in the 2011-12 domestic season and just short of 1,000 in the most recent summer.

He also made 114 against the England Lions last month.

Leicestershire have also confirmed the signing of Zimbabwe international bowler Anthony Ireland on a one-year contract.