“I think he’s going to go a long way in his career.”
That is the view of Ben Coad as he discusses the development of his current new ball partner Ben Cliff, the seamer who has impressed in his trio of Metro Bank One-Day Cup appearances.
Cliff and Coad struck three times apiece in yesterday’s nail-biting Group B victory over Essex at Scarborough, his haul of 3-54 from 10 overs representing his List A best haul.
Cliff, 21, is still in the infancy of his first-team career. He has only played 12 times across all three formats since debuting in this competition in August 2022.
But the signs of development are clear.
Last month, he returned 4-31 in the Vitality Blast clash with Nottinghamshire at Headingley, though it didn’t contribute to a victory.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Ben Cliff celebrates trapping Essex’s Jamal Richards lbw yesterday.
Thankfully, yesterday’s return against Essex did.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s 50-over clash with Leicestershire at Scarborough, Coad said of the Halifax-born quick: “Cliffy’s been awesome.
“He’s a very talented player and works so hard. He’s indicating that with how he’s been bowling up top in this comp, and in the T20s as well he was very good.
“His skill level is very good, but I think it’s his attitude that’s his best attribute.
“How he works away from games is unbelievable. He’s obviously very talented, but his determination to improve, that’s what will stand him in good stead.
“He’ll go from strength to strength, and you’ll see a lot more of him.”
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Ben Coad has backed his fellow Ben, Cliff, to make a name for himself at Yorkshire.
Not surprisingly, Cliff believes Coad’s influence is aiding is his development.
“He’s always helpful and gives me his opinions,” he said.
“If in doubt, do what Coady does – get it on that spot.
“I’ve been itching to get a go this year. It took until the T20s, and they were fantastic. It’s great to get the run of games, the confidence, and you’re learning on the job.
“I just want to play as much as I can. I don’t mind what format it is, I just love playing for Yorkshire.”
While Cliff has impressed, Coad has been outstanding. His haul of 12 wickets in five matches sees him joint third in the competition’s leading wicket-takers list. He has also contributed with the bat on a couple of occasions, chiefly yesterday with 26 not out pursuing 244.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Ben Coad has starred with ball and bat during the ongoing One-Day Cup.
“I’m very happy,” said Coad.
“The pitches have offered a bit, so it’s been very helpful for me. But you’ve still got to perform and put in the right area, and it’s been very pleasing.”
After yesterday’s win, Yorkshire now have to go again. They will likely need two more wins from their remaining three games to have any chance of a top-three berth for knockout qualification.
They face a Leicestershire side also in contention.
Like Yorkshire, the Foxes have won three of their five games so far, though they have an inferior net run-rate, a decider which may well come into play come this time next week.
After this, Yorkshire face Group B’s top two Warwickshire and Glamorgan away on Sunday and Wednesday.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. North Marine Road plays host to its second One-Day Cup game in three days tomorrow.
“We’re treating every game as a must win,” added Cliff.
“I’d back ourselves tomorrow. Leicestershire have a good side with some good overseas. But we know how to play here, and hopefully they don’t.”
Leicestershire are captained by Lewis Hill and have Indian and Australian batters Ajinkya Rahane and Peter Handscomb as their two overseas players.
The Foxes were beaten by Surrey at Kibworth yesterday.
Tomorrow is Shan Masood’s final game before he departs for Pakistan Test duty. He would miss all remaining games up to, but not including, the final on September 22 should the Vikings get that far. He would be available for the final.
