A heavily built man, Burge was a combative player who was regarded as quiet and genial off the field. An attacking player, he was known for his penchant for the hook shot and his ability against fast bowling. Burge is one of the few cricketers to be given out handled the ball. In a Shield match against New South Wales in 1958–59, the ball struck him on the pad and went up in the air. Unconsciously, he put up a hand and the ball landed in his palm.