Young cricket star Joe Clarke makes history for Shropshire

TEENAGE talent Joe Clarke will make county cricket history tomorrow by becoming the youngest player to ever represent Shropshire.

Clarke, who is 16 years and 43 days old, has been called up to the Minor Counties Championship trip to take on Berkshire at Falkland after Shrewsbury all-rounder Alex Blofield was forced to pull out through work commitments.

The Wellington ace, who lives in Trefonen and formerly played for Oswestry before moving to the Birmingham League Premier Division side at the start of the season, beats the previous record held by Shifnal’s Jack Edwards by 65 days.

“It’s a big achievement for me,” said Clarke, who has just finished his GCSEs at Llanfyllin High School.

“This year is a big one for me to try to do well in the Birmingham League Premier Division and it’s gone pretty well so far.

“I went to nets with Shropshire in the winter so I knew if I had a good season I could be pushing, but I didn’t expect to get called up this quickly.”

Shropshire captain Ed Foster insisted he has no qualms about handing Clarke his chance in the three-day game.

“Joe has done well for Wellington, scoring runs at the top of the order,”said Foster.

“Our policy is that if you are good enough you will play and Joe has proved himself, albeit over a short period of time this season.

“He has got a lot of gritty tendencies.”

Shropshire have been forced into another change to their original line-up with Shrewsbury paceman Michael Barnard ruled out because of a bruised heel.

He is replaced by leg spinner Elliot Green but Barnard’s injury and a one-match suspension for fellow quick bowler Chris Whelan means Shropshire are without their new ball pairing from the last game at Herefordshire.

Shropshire head to Berkshire – who could include former England spinner Shaun Udal in their starting line-up, with a seven point lead at the top of the western division.