Joe Clarke has revealed the calming influence that fellow century-maker Callum Ferguson has brought to Worcestershire Rapids after another record-breaking day in the Royal London One-Day Cup win against Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
Clarke smashed 122 and Ferguson 159 not out to follow his 192 not out against Leicestershire Foxes as the Rapids triumphed by 34 runs to move into top spot in the North Group with one game remaining.
The Clarke-Ferguson 239 stand was the highest by Worcestershire for the second wicket in List A cricket and Ferguson’s knock was the best individual tally for either side in matches between the two counties.
Clarke said: “A great performance from the team. Northants are a very strong white ball side, very effective and they have got some dangerous players. To get the win at home, it was a really good performance.
“Was that one of my best one-day innings? I’ve got two (hundreds) for Worcestershire now and I would say that was probably my better one. When you are batting with Fergie (Callum Ferguson) at the other end, he makes it easy.
“We have enjoyed batting together over the last couple of games here and that partnership today (239) obviously proved to be a crucial one and it was a special knock from him.
“He has got a calm head and has played a lot of cricket, a lot of one-day cricket especially, and he brings that calmness to the group and the batting side – and obviously his talent as well.
“From ball one against Leicestershire he was creaming it out of the middle of the bat and he has carried that form through and to get a 192 and a 159 not out in his first two home games is an incredible achievement for him and it’s great for the team as well.”
Clarke showed all his own class in converting a fine knock into three figures.
He said: “I’ve had my low scores as well in this competition and two 60s and it was nice to go on and get a hundred.
“As a batter, you don’t feel good about getting 60s.
“It’s always nice to contribute but not to take the chance to get a big score when it is there is disappointing. It was nice to go through and get three figures.”
