Burke has passion for learning

There will be lots of important cricket chats in the Leicestershire CCC dressing room during pre-season, but other interesting topics of conversation have been introduced by new signing James Burke.

The 26-year-old is an all-rounder in more ways than one; just as comfortable talking about atomic energy levels, space science and computer technologies as well as performing on the field.

Burke is currently studying for a degree in Astro and Quantum Physics and believes the power of virtual reality - computer-generated environments - will change life in the future.

Such subject matter is highly complex and also extremely thought provoking, and Burke has explained it in a way that has got his teammates and colleagues discussing it. 

He said: "I'm studying an Astro and Quantum Physics degree through the Open University. It is to help me plan for life after cricket but if I get time during the season and off-season then I do some studying. We've already had some good conversations in the dressing room about it.

"There's no relation between my passion for physics and cricket. It's something I've been interested in, and I quite like to have something other than cricket because I think I'll potentially lose my drive for it otherwise. 

"So I'm learning about philosophy, politics and science and try to take in as much information as I can. If I wanted to use the degree, I'd probably have to get a PhD first and that's something I'd be interested in. 

"The quantum physics side correlates quite well with an interest of mine, which is about future technologies. I'm a big believer that virtual reality will revolutionise the way we live and it is something that I speak a lot to people about.

"I did it at a time when I wasn't too sure what I was going to do because I had a back injury. I was learning about it in my spare time so I thought 'why not put it to something useful?'."

Burke's desire to learn more about scientific principles has also helped him to learn more about his body, which is something that now plays a key part in his preparation.  

"There are times that I've thought I wouldn't be able to pull it back, and it's always been a bit of a battle," he said.

"I've found a lot of my performances have been dependent on how my body is, which is frustrating when I know I can perform at a certain level. So I have to work hard to keep my body in shape to perform at that level.

"The game comes in ebbs and flows, and if I'm feeling 100% fit then I feel that I can run in and bowl quickly, and batting is all about form. It tends to be that one aspect is firing and you try to work hard on the other one."

* Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Leicestershire CCC’s Membership packages are on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128.