Australian cricketer Joe Burns has been forced to return to Australia after being diagnosed with a fatigue illness, severely denting his hopes of playing in the Ashes.

Key points: Joe Burns returned to Australia from English county side Lancashire in May

Joe Burns returned to Australia from English county side Lancashire in May Burns has a fatigue illness, but should be recovered in time for the Ashes

Burns has a fatigue illness, but should be recovered in time for the Ashes Burns was not selected in the 14-man Australia A squad that will tour England ahead of the Ashes

The Queensland Bulls batsman said last month he left English county side Lancashire for personal reasons.

However, Queensland cricket said in a statement that Burns returned due to "experiencing extended symptoms of fatigue and burn-out".

After consulting with specialists, Burns has been diagnosed with a protracted post-infectious fatigue disorder dating back to an October 2018 viral infection.

"We wish Joe the best in his recovery and look forward to helping him make a successful return as soon as possible,'' Queensland Cricket boss Max Walters said on Tuesday.

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A Queensland Cricket spokesman said he understands the 29-year-old will be recovered in time for the Ashes series if he is selected.

However, Burns will have to pin his hopes on being selected outright after he was omitted from the 14-man Australia A four-day Tour squad announced in April.

The Australia A squad will tour England ahead of the Ashes, which starts on August 1 at Edgbaston, playing three four-day matches against Sussex, England Lions and the senior Australia side.

The intra-squad match, set to take place from July 23 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, will be the final test before the Ashes gets underway.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said that the tour matches would provide the A squad, "with a good opportunity to push their case for selection."

Hohns also said that players not in the touring squad would be considered based on "strong form with their county teams."

Australia's Ashes squad of 17 is yet to be announced, but Burns is battling with Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and David Warner for a spot at the top of the order.

Burns has played 16 Tests for Australia, scoring four centuries including 180 in his most recent Test against Sri Lanka in Canberra in February.

ABC/AAP