Jarrad Burke’s NSW Premier Cricket 400 match milestone

Not many people are able to boast they are just one of six people in 127 years to reach a special mark in sport - but this Premier Cricket player can.

Milestone man Jarrad Burke in action.

Premier Cricket big hitter Jarrad Burke has had plenty of big moments to celebrate during his long cricket career but one achieved on Saturday is more more special than most.

Burke, a member of the Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Club, wasn’t even sure he would be playing this season.

But because he is, he has written his name in the history books by playing in his 400th first grade game against Bankstown at Rosedale Oval - a milestone achieved by just five other cricketers in the past.

Jarrad Burke in action for Bankstown, one of numerous teams he has played for. Pic: Craig Wilson

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“I was lucky to get an opportunity from Fairfield this year. That’s why the journey has continued,’’ said Burke, who grew up at Campbelltown.

“I saw a new challenge and thought I might be able to help out.’’

Burke joins Rob Aitken, Ken Hall, Anthony Clark, Tony Clark and Anthony Kershler in the elite Premier Cricket 400 game club and will receive a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Jarrad Burke is rewriting history after starting his first grade career as a 16-year-old.

But Burke said he didn’t even know the milestone was approaching until three weeks ago.

“The sport owes me nothing. I have got more from it that I ever imagined,’’ Burke said.

“I didn’t know this was coming up. Only found out a couple of weeks ago.

“I’ve no plans to retire yet. I’m still enjoying it. I wake up every Saturday and hope the sun comes out.’’

Burke’s long and storeyed career started with his debut for Penrith (1999-2003; 2006-2008) against Eastern Suburbs back in 2000 and is still going strong 20 years on with the Fairfield Liverpool club (2020-2021).

Milestone man Jarrad Burke in action.

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Inbetween he has also played for Campbelltown (2003-2006; 2008-2009; 2017-2020) and Bankstown.

His first grade record going into his 400th match included 10647 runs at 30.33 with 18 100s and 42 50s.

The 37-year-old from Auburn, who played Australian u19s, has taken 651 wickets at 21.70, taken five wickets 13 times and on one occasion took 7/31.

He is just 28 runs from passing Brian Booth (10674) and taking 20th position on the run-scoring list in a competition which started back in 1893-94.

He is one of just five players with 10000 runs and 600 wickets with Grant Lambert 11413/626, Robert Aitken 11171/604, Anthony Clark 10852/715 and Monty Noble 10277/674.

Jarrad Burke playing for Campbelltown at Raby Oval in 2019.

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