Burke: "We have a really strong squad"

New Foxes loan signing James Burke has already enjoyed a varied pre-season training programme as he looks to kick on his career in 2017.

The all-rounder has trained with parent club Surrey as well as new team Leicestershire, and Burke has also enjoyed two aspects of a trip to South Africa.

Burke spent the first part of his visit doing some training with Cape Cobras and working alongside South Africa legend Gary Kirsten, as well as playing some games.

The 26-year-old is now part of the pre-season tour with Leicestershire and feels that he has settled in well.

"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. 

"I feel like I have a great relationship with everyone already, both players and management. It couldn't have gone better.

"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 that the Plymouth-born all-rounder felt frustrated with his 2016 campaign. Burke 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."

* In part two of the interview, James talks about life outside cricket, including the degree he is currently studying towards.