Oxfordshire Cricket is delighted to announce the appointment of Oliver Clarke as the new red ball captain ahead of the 2023 NCCA Championship season.
Clarke succeeds Jonny Cater as captain in championship cricket following his six years at the helm, with Oxfordshire moving towards a split captaincy approach. Cater will remain as captain in both T20 and 50 over cricket and will be supported by Clarke in his appointment as vice captain in white ball cricket. Clarke has been a key member of the red ball team in recent years and he will be aiming to build upon the success of the Championship side that finished second in the NCCA Western Division 1 in 2022 and who won the NCCA Championship in 2021.
Oxfordshire Cricket would like to congratulate Oliver Clarke on his appointment and wish him every success in his new role as captain of the championship side.
Reacting to his appointment Oliver Clarke said:
“It is a great privilege to be appointed as Oxfordshire captain for the NCCA Championship XI. It is an exciting time for cricket in Oxfordshire with club sides at the top of the HCPCL and so many talented young players coming through our pathway into both NCCA and first-class cricket.
I am very fortunate to be taking over from Jonny Cater. The transformation in the side since he took over as captain is remarkable and largely down to the work that he has put in on and off the pitch. It is disappointing that he will not be playing for us next season, but I respect his decision to spend more time with his young family.
I am particularly excited to work more closely with Rupert Evans. He has had such an enormous influence on my cricket since I joined the Oxfordshire pathway. The ethos that he has created as coach is fantastic and people genuinely love playing cricket for him. I hope that this is something we are able to carry forward through my tenure as captain.
Since joining the county as part of the pathway, I have always loved playing cricket for Oxfordshire and look forward to the new challenge ahead, looking to lead a side to recreate the success that Jonny has been able to achieve over the past few seasons.”
Head Coach, Rupert Evans said:
“Congratulations to Oliver Clarke on his appointment as 3-day Championship Captain.
Ollie is a product of the Oxfordshire Pathway and Emerging Players programme. He made his County Championship debut against Cheshire at Banbury CC in 2016 while still playing in the County Under 17 side. Since his debut, Ollie has developed into a three-dimensional player who has produced many match-winning performances for the county.
He has gained captaincy experience over the past few seasons as captain of the County 2nd X1. He also captained the first team in the showcase game against Sussex at Hove in 2021 and against Wiltshire in the Championship game at South Wilts CC in 2021.
Ollie is well respected by his teammates and opponents. I am pleased he has been appointed to succeed Jonny Cater and I’m looking forward to supporting him in his new role.”