The Cricket Paper

Final over

- JOE CLARKE Worcesters­hire wicketkeep­er/batsman

On the Spot

DOB: 26/05/1996 Marital status: Single Former Clubs: England Lions, England U19s, Shropshire Batting style: Right-hand bat

The Last

Bat you bought/used? The last bat I bought would have been a Puma Evolution. It did me okay, I think, I did enjoy the old Puma gear back in the day. Now it’s Gray-Nicolls, I’m very lucky to have them as a sponsor – the Gray-Nicolls velocity is what I got for now, it’s a really nice bat. Song you downloaded? James Arthur’s Sun Goes Down with Rudimental – it was remix of that. Five-wicket haul or century? My first T20 100 against Durham this year. It was quite nice to get a century in the T20, it was 124 off of 53 balls so I was happy with that. Injury you had? I had a little hamstring strain. It was only a little one, just a couple of weeks out. Trophy you won? The Division Two title with Worcesters­hire – which was a great way to finish off the season on a high.

The Jury’s Out

Tea or coffee? I don’t actually drink either. I don’t mind a hot chocolate though if you’re offering? Your last meal if you were on death row? A fillet steak with peppercorn sauce. With some sweet potato fries. That would be enough for me. Caribbean with the missus or Magaluf with the lads? Magaluf with the boys. I went earlier this year with a couple of lads; it was a memorable trip to say the least. Red or white wine? Red, I much prefer it. 50-over, T20 or County Championsh­ip? T20 – it’s over and done in an evening.

Time added on

Best coach you have ever played with? Paul Pridgeon – I used to go to him while I was growing up and still see him now. But I’ve also been lucky enough to work under Graham Thorpe and Andy Flower as well who are very good coaches in their different ways. Who’s most nervous person when next into bat? That would be Ben Cox – he’s the most nervous bloke going around. Person to avoid after being dismissed? At Worcester, we’re quite a relaxed dressing room. The one I’ve seen throw the biggest tantrum was Sam Billings. It was on a Lions tour a couple of years ago. When he got out he became like a big kid when he was dismissed. I stayed well clear of him. One rule you would change? In T20 or One Day cricket that all no balls and wides are to be followed by a free hit. Favourite pundit? Bumble, he’s energetic and makes you laugh and when he’s in the commentary box he’s great value. Do you have any superstiti­ons? I like to put my gloves on after I have gone over the boundary rope. And I also do a movement before facing my first delivery. I wouldn’t think to myself if I haven’t done it ‘oh no I’m not going to do well’ but it’s a routine I have. Hobbies? I love watching other sports especially football and I love playing golf, too.

And finally

Who is the worst dressed player at the club? We’ve got a few. I’ve got two in mind. Daryl Mitchell and Jack Shantry. Daryl still wears these Topman T-shirts from about ten years ago. They’ve got three buttons and all different colours, the jeans and plimsolls, too. Jack just goes for some of the roguest gear going. It’s definitely those two. I wouldn’t say that they were the most fashionabl­e guys around!

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