Leicestershire take Surrey's James Burke on loan deal
Wednesday 25 January 2017 10:35, UK
Leicestershire have signed Surrey all-rounder James Burke on a season-long loan deal.
The 26-year-old is available for all formats of the game but will be ineligible to face his parent club should Leicestershire and Surrey play each other during the 2017 season.
The Plymouth-born player will join the Foxes next month for their pre-season tour of South Africa. He is currently at a training camp in Cape Town.
Burke has also played for Somerset during his career and has represented England at U19 level, as well as his native Devon in the Minor Counties Championship.
He has taken 23 first-class wickets at an average of 28.13, as well as 17 at List A level (20.58), while claiming 10 victims in T20 matches. With the bat, his highest first-class score is 79.
Leicestershire's head coach Pierre de Bruyn told the club website: "It is important for us to have depth in our squad and James is a highly talented all-rounder.
"He will compete for a place in our side across all three competitions. James will add strength to our batting and bowling, and he is also a dynamic fielder.
"We look forward to welcoming James into the fold at the Fischer County Ground and I would like to thank Alec Stewart and Surrey County Cricket Club for allowing him to join us for the 2017 season."
Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, added: "This is a great opportunity for James to play all forms of cricket on a regular basis, allowing his game to develop.
"I wish him the best of luck and will be keeping a close eye on his performances."