Clare bound for Florida

Jonathan Clare bowls during the 2008 Friends Provident Trophy © David Griffin

Barely a year after languishing in the wilderness of second team cricket, Derbyshire all-rounder Jonathan Clare has been officially recognised as one of the best young bowlers in England.

The Burnley-born 22-year-old has taken the next step in his meteoric rise by being selected for the ECB Bowling Skills Set alongside five of the brightest young fast-bowlers in the land.

The Skills Set sextet are currently being assessed at the National Academy in Loughborough for a week before travelling to Florida for a month-long strength and conditioning camp which ends on December 21.

“I always had confidence in my own ability to become a first-class player,” Clare said.

“But during two and a half seasons in the Derbyshire second team, and particularly when I left Lancashire, a career in the game looked a very distant dream.

“To enjoy a full season in the first team, taking wickets and scoring runs, is more than I could have possibly hoped for.

“Selection for the ECB Skills Set is a terrific honour and a further opportunity to improve my game so I am really looking forward to it.”

Clare was released by Lancashire in 2005 and after two full seasons playing second team cricket for Derbyshire, he was thrown into first-class action in the penultimate match of the 2007 season.

His 5-90 on debut against Nottinghamshire included the scalps of full internationals Stephen Fleming, Chris Read, Graeme Swann and Andre Adams.

Having signed his first professional contract, Clare proceeded to set the County Ground alight in 2008 with both bat and ball.

He scored 555 runs at an average of 42.69 and taking his 31 wickets at 28.09 apiece.

Clare secured the distinction of becoming the only player Derbyshire’s history to score a century and produce a seven-wicket haul in the same match.

He scooped the most improved player award at the club’s annual player of the year evening at the end of the season for his efforts.

Clare (right) keeps Graham Wagg company as he salutes his hundred against Northants

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Clare and his fellow pacemen will have the opportunity of working with legendary Australian fast-bowler Dennis Lillee in Chennai for eight days in early February.

“Being away from home for long periods and playing in game after game without feeling like I was getting any closer to my goal was a difficult and testing time,” Clare added.

“If there hadn’t been such an injury crisis in the squad at the time of making my debut, my opportunity may never have arrived. I know that being a professional cricketer is a very privileged position.

“Taking a five-wicket haul on debut was obviously a dream start but, without a second team record to shout about, I could not have complained had the coaching staff asked for more consistent performances before offering me professional terms.

“They must have seen something in me,” Clare continued. “I will always be grateful to John Morris, Karl Krikken and Mike Hendrick for putting their faith in me and giving me this opportunity.

“After signing that contract my aim was simply to earn a place in the team and look to improve my game as much as possible.

Like Lancashire and England bowler James Anderson and Surrey’s Michael Brown, Clare is a product of Lancashire League club Burnley CC.

Clare formed a friendship with Anderson during several years of playing together at Burnley and he dreams of one day being reunited with his former team-mate in England colours.

“James enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence and everybody at Burnley is delighted with what he has achieved,” Clare said.

“He sent me a message after my debut five-wicket haul saying well done and wishing me all the best for my future career. We still stay in contact now and again.

“He is now an established part of the England team and I would love to join him there one day. Hopefully I can prove myself in Florida and at the Academy, then enjoy another successful season with Derbyshire in 2009, and I will have taken the next steps towards that dream.”