But after hitting an unbeaten maiden Test century at Edgbaston yesterday he admitted the reality of joining them as an Ashes success story was even better than he imagined.
Surrey opener Burns struck a nerveless 125 as England turned the screw on Australia closing at 267-4 just 17 runs short of the tourists’ first innings total.
And after ending the day serenaded by the Hollies Stand with his name in Alastair Cook’s old Barmy Army song, he said he was struggling to put his emotions into words.
“To be an Ashes cricketer in the first place is a wonderful thing but we had a connect with some past players and some 2005 Ashes winners the night before and I was literally ready to run through a brick wall and get right in amongst it.
“The night before (the Test) I had played my first ball a few times and probably celebrated my hundred a few times so to get over the line is a wonderful feeling and a wonderful experience.”
Burns admitted he had gone back to basics after a double failure against Ireland last week saw him make single figures in both innings and saw the critics line up to question his place in the side.
And he credited Neil Stewart, Surrey academy coach and Alec’s brother, with getting his head straight for yesterday’s challenge.
“I went to Neil who has know me since the age of six and I just asked him what he reckoned and he cleared out a few thoughts with me,” said Burns.
“I just tried to put those into practice and get bat in hand over the last four or five days. Just stay true to what has got me to this stage.”
Burns, 28, has had to wait for his chance at the highest level only making his debut last year. And he had to wait 54 minutes in the 90s yesterday.
But after becoming the first opener aside from Cook to post a century at home since Adam Lyth in 2015 he was hailed with Cook’s old song from the stands.
“I think the Hollies Stand rocking all the way through the 90s and then to get over the line with a quick dash for the hundred – that will be a pretty special memory to take.”
England bowler Jimmy Anderson is unlikely to bowl in this Test despite jogging on the outfield before play yesterday. It was also confirmed that Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has undergone surgery on a knee injury and is out for the remainder of the season.