WORCESTERSHIRE wicketkeeper-batsman Joe Clarke believes a winter playing grade cricket for South Perth has been beneficial in his development “as a cricketer and as a person.”.

The England Under-19s prospect has carried on the favourable impression he made at New Road last summer in Western Australia.

Clarke topped the batting averages in the 2014 Second XI Championship and registered the County’s highest score in the competition of 222 against the MCC Young Cricketers last July.

He has moved up from the middle order to the number three berth and scored six half-centuries for South Perth after getting the all-clear from Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes to spend the winter playing Down Under.

The Shrewsbury-born 18-year-old said: “I am very grateful to South Perth for the opportunity.

“It’s been a great experience, one I feel has improved me as a cricketer and as a person. As soon as I mentioned coming to Perth to Bumpy (Steve Rhodes), he was really keen as he knew how tough the cricket is out here.

“The standard has been good. There are a lot of guys who come to Perth and struggle so therefore I’m really pleased with how I’m performing personally.”

As regards moving up the batting order, Clarke said: “I’d scored a few 50s batting at six or seven but was always coming in with 20 overs or less to bat.

“So, after speaking with Bumpy, Sharpy (batting coach Kevin Sharp) and Mase (assistant coach Matt Mason), we agreed I should talk to the captain and head coach of South Perth about going up the order.

“I’ve now batted number three after the Christmas break and have done well there.

“I really like the pace on the ball and feel as though it’s more of a test for me.

“It’s also really good for my mental and physical fitness.

“I could be fielding 80 overs of the day and then have to go out and bat a few overs. I’m loving it!”