Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Ben Coad has been talking about Ben Cliff’s end-of-season form and the emerging fast bowler’s development.
Ben Coad believes Ben Cliff is ready to fly in Yorkshire’s first team.
Fast bowler Cliff, aged 23, has enjoyed a fabulous fortnight to end the 2026 summer.
He took 11 wickets in the match against Somerset at Headingley, including eight in the first innings to help set up an impressive win.
The Halifax native then claimed four first-innings wickets in the win against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, including four in the first innings.
Coad said: “I think you’ll see a massive year from Cliffy next year.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him, but just the confidence he’ll take from these last two games is going to set him so well for the next season and for his future.
“He’s got good pace and swings it. But I just think it’s his attitude that I’m really impressed with, just how happy he is to take the ball and wanting to do well for the team. He’ll run in all day.
“He’s obviously a skilful bowler with the swing and the nip he can get, but he’s got decent pace.
“Off the field, he’s proper, he’s professional, and I just see him having a really good career.
“He’s got everything.”
The Notts’ game was Cliff’s 12th career first-class appearance since debuting in September 2023. Across all formats, he has played 38 first-team matches, first debuting in August 2022. In all, he has taken 67 wickets.
“He first played a bit earlier than I did,” said Coad. “But I was 23 when I broke into the first team, and it’s the same age he is now and he’s starting to stamp his authority on it.
“Like I say, this will give him so much confidence, and I think he’s going to fly from here.”
