James Burke

James Burke's career took an upward turn after shifting from Somerset to Surrey in time for the 2015 season. A player who had been released and then brought back by Somerset made an immediate impression in south London, finishing second in the bowling averages in both the Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup . Four wickets against Derbyshire at Derby showed his mettle: struck on the helmet by Mark Footitt, he shook it off to join Gareth Batty in the match-turning stand and then teamed up with Batty again with the ball.

Burke, an allrounder from Plymouth, made his Somerset debut against Cardiff MCCU in April 2012 having played for the second XI since 2008 - the year he also made his Devon Minor Counties debut. A year later he played a T20 for England Under-19s in South Africa, having represented his country at Under-17 and Under-18 level. A back injury had forced him to reconsider a cricket career but he recovered well and, having made a century against Berkshire in July 2012, was awarded his Devon county cap. He enjoyed a successful return to Somerset's Second XI in 2013 and he was rewarded with a summer contract with Somerset for the 2014 season before Surrey tempted him to London.
ESPNcricinfo staff