Rikki Clarke

BORN: 29/09/81

ROLE: Right-hand bat; right-arm medium-fast

BEST TWENTY20 PERFORMANCE: 79* v Gloucestershire Gladiators, Nevil Road 2006 (playing for Surrey)

A naturally talented allrounder who is beginning to show his class in a Warwickshire shirt after first plying his trade at Surrey and then enjoying a brief spell as Derbyshire's captain. This is his second season with the Bears, after a promising opening year in 2009 which saw him top the batting averages in the Twenty20 Cup and take 10 T20 wickets with his bouncy, sharp seamers. He also performed creditably with the bat in first-class cricket in 2009, and though he has yet to replicate that form so far this season, he has rediscovered his zip with the ball, taking a career-best 6-67 in the Championship match against Kent in May. If Warwickshire Bears are to go far in this year's Twenty20 Cup, Clarke's all-round quality will be crucial.

Do you enjoy the Twenty20 format?
I love it... Let’s have more of it I say

What does it take to be successful in Twenty20 cricket?
Strong hitters and good death bowlers with quick strong fielders

What’s your go-to shot when you really need a boundary?
Down the wicket and hitting straight

How do you adapt your batting method for Twenty20 matches?
Stand still and get a stronger base to hit from

What’s the most memorable Twenty20 match you’ve played in?
Being a winner with Surrey in the very first season of Twenty20 in 2003

Which opposition players should we watch out for?
Marcus Trescothick and Craig Kieswetter are both very dangerous

Can you name three famous pirates?
Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow....That’s it I am afraid!

If you had a parrot, what would be the first phrase you would teach it?
‘Come on you Spurs’ – I’m a massive Spurs fan if you haven’t guessed already!

What would you call your pirate ship?
‘The Lockstock’, after one of my favourite films

Do you get seasick?
No, well not yet anyway

What would you spend your last piece of eight on?
Not sure how much that is so couldn't tell you!

Who would you most want to be shipwrecked with?
Apart from my gorgeous fiancee... Cheryl Cole every day of the week

What would be your desert island discs?
R&B collection with some dance and easy listening – I’m very easily pleased when it comes to music

What three items would go in your treasure chest?
A photo of my fiancee and daughter, a Spurs shirt, and my PSP with Football Manager in it

If you could make one opposing player walk the plank, who would it be?
Can't say as I don’t want to step over the line...But there would be a few contenders!

Which celebrity would you like to make walk the plank?
Katie Price or Jordan whatever her name is now days. What an idiot!