James Burke bowling for Budleigh Salterton in 2014

FORMER Devon all-rounder James Burke is getting to know his new Leicestershire team-mates after hooking up with them in South Africa.

Burke has signed for Leicestershire on a season-long loan from parent club Surrey.

The 26-year-old Plymothian was already in South African when Leicestershire arrived there. He had been training with Cape Cobras and working alongside South Africa legend Gary Kirsten, as well as playing some games.

James Burke batting for Budleigh SaltertonLeicestershire are now out in the republic preparing for the season ahead.

"I'm really enjoying it, everybody has been very welcoming," said Burke. "I didn't know what to expect as I didn't know many of the lads before I arrived but everyone has introduced themselves and made me feel at home. 

"This winter has gone really well, I have also played a few club games and did some training with Cape Cobras and had some one-to-one sessions with Gary Kirsten, so I feel that my batting is in a good place. 

"I worked with him last year and because it was so successful I decided to do the same again.

“I feel that he understands my game better and I got a lot out of it."

It is understandable Burke felt frustrated with his 2016 campaign. He suffered a serious back injury while at Somerset, and after enjoying a good 2015 after making the move to Surrey, was forced to spend more time on the sidelines last year. 

He said: "Last year was a bit frustrating because I felt that I built up momentum the year before. I suffered with injury last season but I feel confident in my game and I'm looking to kick on now.

"I played in the quarter-final of the Royal London One-Day Cup last year and the final the year before. Every game of first-class cricket is important to me but to get those tournament opportunities is something that I really enjoyed at Surrey.

"I've always enjoyed the intensity of one-day competitions and compliment my game, but I enjoy all of them. I wouldn't say I have a preference for any one format, and I look forward to any game of professional cricket."

Burke is now fit again and keen to play as many games as possible for the Foxes but accepts he has a battle on his hands to secure a regular place in the side in all competitions.

He said: "My aim is to play as much cricket as possible for Leicestershire in 2017 and I don't want it to be easy. 

"I want to earn my place in the team and I definitely think that I'm going to have to in seeing the guys out here in South Africa. We have a really strong squad and it's up to me to force my way into the team.

"One of the reasons I wanted to come here was because (Head Coach) Pierre (de Bruyn) made it apparent that I'll be valued at the club and will be backed by the coaches, so the onus in on me to force my way into the team."

Burke started his cricket career with Plymstock and was talent spotted early by Somerset.

He represented England under-19s at T20 level. He also represented England at under-17 and under-18 level.

Somerset released Burke on Saturday afternoon’s to play Premier and A Division cricket in Devon with Plympton, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Burke played for Devon between 2008-2014, appearing in 15 Minor Counties games and 18 one-day cup matches. His last game for Devon as the 2014 Unicorns Cup final win over Oxfordshire at Wormsley

Burke has taken 23 First Class wickets at an average of 28.13, 17 List A victims at 20.58 including a best return of 5-28, and 10 T20 wickets at 22.50.

His highest first-class score is 79, one of two half-centuries he has posted at that level.