‘It’s still sinking in’ – Surrey’s Jordan Clark in dreamland after County Championship title win

Surrey all-rounder Jordan Clark says winning the County Championship is a dream fulfilled, adding it was one of the reasons he chose to move down to SE11 from Lancashire four years ago. But even more satisfying for the 31-year-old Cumbrian is the way the Surrey dressing room is as one – all pulling in the same direction and revelling in each other’s successes.

Clark has appeared in 10 of the 13 matches the South Londoners needed to clinch the title, with victory over Yorkshire yesterday coming shortly after news filtered through that Kent had beaten second-placed Hampshire.

Not only has Clark contributed 467 runs at an average of 51.88, he has also sent down more overs than any other Surrey bowler in this summer’s championship en route to taking 30 wickets.

“The emotion of winning the championship and all the hard work that leads up to it, it’s hard to describe. It’s still sinking in to be honest,” said Clark, yesterday (Thursday).

“When I woke up this morning, I didn’t really have it on my radar. I didn’t know today was going to be the day, but I’m happy it’s turned out this way. It’s a special feeling.”

Surrey won’t actually get their hands on the championship trophy until next week, when they travel to Manchester, Clark’s former stomping ground, for the final game of the 2022 season.

“It’ll be the first time I’ll be back at Old Trafford in four years, so it will be nice to play against some old mates,” said Clark. “Hopefully, we can finish the season on an even bigger high and remain unbeaten.

“But doing it at the Oval, in front of our home crowd, I would definitely have chosen to do it here. I’m just happy to get over the line.

“Personally, it’s been a great season for me. Consistency is something I set out to achieve and I feel I’ve got a lot better at doing that.

“But it all comes down to the team winning, to be honest. I love contributing, but to win the championship is what it’s all about. It’s the first time I’ve been part of some silverware in the championship. I’m just so proud of the boys.

“I love the team environment. It’s been so enjoyable to be part of this dressing room. Everyone has been absolutely incredible. The team’s like the eleven blokes picked at the time, but it’s been very selfless.

“We just love doing things for each other, putting the hard yards in, and it definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s been absolutely great and it feels so good.

“I came to the Oval for a different opportunity and from the day I arrived the guys have been so great. The Oval has always been my favourite place to play cricket – I hit a century here for Lancashire and I love playing here.

“But this year, especially, has been my most enjoyable year playing cricket to date, over my whole career. Even before today, it’s been such an enjoyable season for me.

“My goal in cricket, firstly, is to enjoy it. I don’t look for higher honours. I just love coming to work and being happy and that’s certainly been the case this year. I’ve loved every minute.

“Hampshire are a great team and credit to them for pushing us all the way. Like us they got some winning momentum, but Kent obviously played a blinder over the last three days to defeat them, so it’s all worked out well for us.”

Surrey skipper, Rory Burns, who hit the winning runs in his side’s ten-wicket dismantling of Yorkshire, added: “It’s been a nip and tuck battle with Hampshire all season. We were just trying to focus on this game.

“It’s hard not to keep an eye on it, but it meant there was an opportunity there, potentially, so in that respect we had to go out and do the business here. To get over the line today and not have to go to next week, it’s a lovely feeling.”

Due to England calls and injuries, Surrey needed to call on 22 players to seal their second title success in four years. Every single one has played their part, from the experienced pros right down to the youngsters, some of whom many wouldn’t even have heard of when the campaign got underway back in April.

“If you look at Hashim Amla and Kemar Roach as our overseas, what they’ve given us on the field and off of it has been quite outstanding,” said Burns.

“They’re so open and willing to give advice to the other guys, it’s almost as if what they do on the pitch is the easy bit.

“It’s a very special group. Seeing Jordan Clark receiving his Surrey cap today. I know how hard he works off the pitch, so it’s brilliant to see him getting rewarded for that.

“To see some of the young guys, like Tom Lawes, step up when they’ve needed to and contribute has been brilliant as well.

“It’s been really pleasing that someone’s always put their hand up whenever we’ve needed something special. It’s been a real squad effort.

“Our support is something very special, so to win the title here, at the Micky Stewart Oval, is a great feeling. When you see the way Micky has been honoured this week, you realise how special this club is. That’s why you really have to appreciate these moments.”