Clarke is off as he ties up Notts deal
Shropshire’s Joe Clarke has ended speculation regarding his future by calling time on his stay at Worcestershire.
The Shrewsbury-born 22-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with Nottinghamshire. The Pears had hoped the England Lions batsman would sign a new contract at New Road but he has opted to join the recent influx of new signings at Trent Bridge.
Clarke, who has played in the Birmingham League for Oswestry and Wellington, progressed through the ranks at Worcester and has scored 3,812 runs in 60 first-class matches since making his debut against Hampshire in 2015, at an average of 40.12.
Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley said the club “did everything that we could” to hold onto the England Lions player.
“Obviously we’re disappointed that Joe will be leaving us, but I’m very confident that we did everything that we could to retain him,” said Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley.
“Our goal as a first class county is to produce England cricketers, and I sincerely hope that Joe goes on to play at the highest level”
Clarke joins Ben Slater, Ben Duckett and Zak Chappell in recently signing deals at Trent Bridge.
“Joe wondered if we wanted him to play this next game against Yorkshire. My view was that we would always pick our best eleven and want to win matches, and he should be part of that. It will give him a chance to sign off in the way he, and we want him to, with runs and a win”
Matt Rawnsley added: “We wish Joe all the very best for the future.
Clarke is Worcestershire’s leading scorer in the Championship this season and in the Vitality Blast and played a major part in the Rapids triumph in that competition.
He has featured for the Lions for the past three winters and has been strongly tipped in the media to make the senior international breakthrough sooner rather than later.
Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said: “We’re very pleased that Joe has decided to join us. He’s a very good young player with a great record already behind him.
“Hopefully we can make the most of his talent and help him become the best player he can be.”
Joe Clarke will make his final appearance for the County before moving to Nottinghamshire on a four year contract.
Nottinghamshire have signed Worcestershire batsman Joe Clarke on a four-year deal.
The 22-year-old, who was part of Worcestershire’s Vitality Blast winning side this season, becomes the club’s fourth signing as they look towards the 2019 campaign.
