Jonathan Clare

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Date of Birth:	14-06-1986
Birthplace:	Burnley, Lancashire
Batting Style:	Right-hand bat
Bowling Style:	Right-arm medium
First Class Span:	2007-
List A Span:	2007-
Twenty20 Span:
Other Teams:	Lancashire Second XI, Derbyshire

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 Profile:

A product of the Lancashire County Cricket Club Academy before finding his second XI opportunities somewhat limited at Old Trafford, Jonathan Clare accepted an invitation to play some second team cricket with Derbyshire in mid-2005.

He toiled away in the second team for the next two seasons and was rewarded for his patience and some promising performances with a first-class debut in the LV County Championship match against Nottinghamshire in September 2007.

Clare grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he bowled with outstanding control and decent pace on a slow Chesterfield pitch to record debut figures of five for 90.

The fairytale then continued for the young Lancastrian as he again impressed with three wickets in the first ever floodlit match at Lord's days later.

After the debut five-for, Head of Cricket John Morris quickly told a delighted Clare that he would be offered professional terms for 2008 - a heart-warming story and proof that persistence really does pay.

Having realised his ambition of becoming a first-class cricketer, Clare's first aim was to secure a place in the team.

But he surpassed his own expectations by playing a leading role with both bat and ball - scoring 555 runs at an average of 42.69 and taking 31 wickets at 28.09 apiece.

Clare notched his maiden first-class century against Northamptonshire in July - a game in which he also produced first innings bowling figures of 7-74.

The Burnley-born all-rounder capped a memorable season by gaining selection for the ECB Skills Set for fast bowling, along with six of his fellow promising pacemen from around the country.

The trip included a strength and conditioning camp in Florida and the opportunity of working with former Australia Test legend Dennis Lillee.

Clare endured a quieter time in 2009, finding himself out of the first team picture for long periods with just nine starts in all competitions.

He did, however, pen a long-term contract which commits him to the club until the conclusion of the 2012 season.

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Full career statistics for Jonathan Clare: Click Here >>