ACCRINGTON’S Alice Clarke is looking to follow in the footsteps of Alex Hartley and forge a career in cricket, after being fast-tracked into Lancashire Women’s firsts T20 team.

The 16-year-old has progressed through the county’s youth ranks from Under 15s to her final year in the U17s to now become the youngest player in last Sunday’s double header against Middlesex and Worcestershire at Kidderminster.

Clarke was 12th man in the first game against Middlesex. But the wicketkeeper helped Lancashire over the line with an unbeaten two against Worcestershire to secure the win, watched by proud dad Damian - an experienced bowler for Accrington and current third team captain.

Clarke, who does not turn 17 until August, is studying A-levels in biology, psychology and PE at St Christopher’s Sixth Form.

But after this Red Rose breakthrough she hopes she doesn't need to fall back on her education for a while.

“I wasn’t expecting it. It was a pleasant surprise,” she beamed, explaining how she got the call.

“On the Friday night before the game on Sunday I got a text off the coach that I’ve been with through the age groups just saying ‘Will you be available to be in the squad?’.

“It was a definite yes. I didn’t have to think about it.

“It was a really good experience, seeing the professionalism of everyone and how they prepare themselves for a game. It’s that next level. It’s a bit different for playing for Accrington seconds and thirds.”

Clarke says she was too young to remember when she first picked up a bat, having been a regular at Accrington Cricket Club watching Damian and older brother Jake since she was a baby.

She first played for Accrington Under 9s and was later selected for Lancashire U15s after a trial.

After this T20 taster she has aspirations of breaking into the women’s senior team, and possibly beyond, having seen Clitheroe’s Hartley play for England.

“I would love to make a career of it,” said Clarke.

“It’s a lot of hard work and it’s always good to have that back-up of education and getting my grades.

“But it’s more achievable for women these days.

“Alex Hartley is someone to look up to.

“I trained with Alex when she came to a women’s training session and got to bat against her, do a few fielding drills and have a chat.

“She was really approachable.”

Of her T20 debut, Clarke added: “I thought I would be really overwhelmed but I think I took it in my stride quite well.

“I got to bat. I went in for three overs, got two not out and we won the game.

“I got a little bit of feedback and it was all very positive. They said I’d contributed enough and contributed well.

“I’ll take whatever comes now.”