Joe Clarke Passes 1,000 Runs With Unbeaten 146 at Edgbaston

Joe Clarke became the first player to pass 1,000 County Championship runs in 2026 as his unbeaten 146 carried Nottinghamshire to 299-7 against Warwickshire on a rain-affected second day at Edgbaston. BBC Sport reported that 82 overs were completed after the opening day had been washed out, with Warwickshire still waiting to begin their first innings.

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Nottinghamshire made a difficult start after being sent into action. Olly Hannon-Dalby had captain Haseeb Hameed caught by Rob Yates at second slip, while Ethan Bamber bowled Freddie McCann. Both openers made 10-ball ducks, leaving the visitors 17-2 and giving Warwickshire early control.

Clarke rebuilt the innings with Ben Martindale, who was playing only his second first-class match and deputising for the injured Ben Slater. Their third-wicket partnership added 88 in 23 overs. Martindale made 55, his maiden first-class half-century, before Dan Mousley trapped him lbw in the final over before lunch.

Bamber then had Jack Haynes caught by Yates, whose dismissal completed his 26th catch of the season. Kyle Verreynne was adjudged lbw to Ed Barnard as Nottinghamshire slipped to 148-5. Clarke remained in place and reached 1,000 runs for the season from his 89th delivery, achieving the Championship landmark for the third time in his career.

Lyndon James supported Clarke in a sixth-wicket stand worth 72 across 23 overs, scoring 32 before edging an attempted pull from Michael Booth to wicketkeeper Alex Davies. Clarke then continued with debutant New Zealand fast bowler Fraser Sheat, who was unbeaten on 27 as the pair added an unbroken 43 late in the day.

Clarke's innings was his third century of the Championship season and left Nottinghamshire one run short of 300 at stumps. Bamber led Warwickshire's figures with 2-63. The teams collected early bonus points, Warwickshire taking two and Nottinghamshire one, while further rain remained in the forecast for the final two days.