JOE Clarke says he views wicketkeeping as “an integral part” of his game after flying out to Dubai for a three-week training camp as part of the England Performance Programme (EPP).

Clarke broke into the Worcestershire side in purely a batting role midway through last season and impressed sufficiently to be selected for the EPP ahead of five T20 matches for England Lions against Pakistan ‘A’.

But he is keen to continue with improving his glove work and maintaining a dual role.

Clarke was the England under 19s wicketkeeper when they reached the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup and was behind the stumps regularly for Worcestershire seconds before his senior call-up.

Clarke said: “I do see it as an integral part of my game.

“I was still practicing during the season even if it was before we came in during the morning or at lunch-times.

“I’m still trying to keep that ticking over because I don’t want to lose that part of my game and go in the one direction.

“I want to have that other aspect to my game. I think it is key.”

In terms of his role with the Lions, Clarke said: “I think there are two other lads, Sam Billings and Ben Foakes.

“I’m not sure what will happen in terms of the wicketkeeping.

“I’ll just look to do as much training out there as I can with my keeping and if I get some game-time that will be brilliant as well.”

Clarke and clubmate Ross Whiteley are part of the EPP batsmen, spinners and wicketkeepers squad based at a training camp in Dubai until December 1 ahead of the five T20 games.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes, who is part of the Lions coaching set-up this winter, will fly out to join the squad on November 24 before heading home on December 17 – the day after the fifth T20.