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Bears face bill for test star Clarke
Oct 26 2003
By Paul Bolton, Sunday Mercury
Warwickshire could face a compensation bill of up to £200,000 if they intend to pursue their interest in Surrey's England all-rounder Rikki Clarke.
Warwickshire have already had one informal approach for the highly-rated 22-year-old rejected by Surrey, who intend to keep Clarke to a contract that still has four years to run.
But Clarke, who departed for Englands tour of Bangladesh without signing the one-year contract extension that Surrey offered him last month, is still making noises about being unsettled at The Oval.
Clarke was unhappy that he was dropped to make way for Alec Stewart after he made a match-saving century against Lancashire at The Oval in the opening match of last season.
He is also concerned that he is not being given the opportunity to develop his seam bowling behind the likes of Martin Bicknell, James Ormond and Alex Tudor.
Clarke plans further talks with Surrey when he returns from Bangladesh next month and Surrey will attempt to persuade him that there will be more regular first-team cricket for him now that Stewart has retired and Ian Ward has joined Sussex. But if Clarke insists on leaving The Oval, Surrey are likely to make it very difficult for him to move counties.
Following John Crawleys acrimonious departure from Lancashire two winters ago, counties can now demand compensation payments for players who wish to leave while still in contract.
In the case of Clarke, who signed his last Surrey contract only 12 months ago, that is certain to be a six-figure sum and if Surrey want full settlement of a contract believed to be around £50,000 a year, that could easily reach £200,000.
Warwickshire want Clarke to become their major domestic signing of the winter to stiffen their middle order but, after another difficult financial year, they are likely to baulk at paying a hefty compensation package.
Warwickshire also need to find cash to pay for two new over-seas recruits, a fast bowler and a spinner.
They have narrowed down their spin options to Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble or Australian left-armer Brad Hogg, both of whom turned down the chance to join Warwickshire last winter.
Negotiations with both players are dragging on but Warwickshire have already taken soundings about their likely availability next winter.
