Rikki Clarke targeted on social media for scoring a double ton against a third XI club side, finds support from other cricketers

England domestic veteran batter Rikki Clarke was criticized by netizens for scoring a double-ton during a local club level contest between Shrewton CC XI and South Wilts Third CC XI side. To note, Clarke is a domestic legend and has already taken retirement from the County level, but continues to play at the club level to help his side Shrewton CC XI.

The right-handed batter on May 29 (Sunday) shared a scorecard on Twitter where he smashed 229 runs in just 109 balls having stroked 16 fours and 22 maximums. There were some contributions from other batters as well, but Clarke was the standout performer for his team. As a result, his side posted a huge total of 385 runs after losing seven wickets in 45 overs. In reply, the opposition was bowled out for 146 to lose by a huge 239-run margin.

Love playing with these lads, Clarke wrote on Twitter

After the former Surrey, Derbyshire, and Warwickshire all-rounder Clarke posted a screenshot of the scorecard to his more than 18,000 Twitter followers, Locks Heath batter Justin Cousins was among those to criticize the 40-year-old, who retired from the first-class game only last year. However, he also received support from some cricketers including Alex Hales and his fans. Clarke, meanwhile, also came up with a tweet taking a dig at the critics after many criticised him for his knock.

Love playing with these lads 😍. @ShrewtonCC pic.twitter.com/LPgr5HqqFI

— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) May 28, 2022

To note, Rikki Clarke has represented his country England in 20 ODIs and two Test matches. The right-handed batter has amassed 144 and 96 runs respectively. He has also stroked a half-century in the longest format of the game. With the ball, he has scalped a total of 15 wickets including both formats.

Seems to divide opinion tonight with me helping out a local cricket club by playing for them. Good people who work hard to make the club progress through the leagues potentially and attract new players. Personally couldn’t care less what people think 👍🏻

— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) May 28, 2022

In the domestic circuit, Rikki Clarke holds loads of experience. In first-class cricket, the allrounder has played a total of 267 matches and has scored a total of 11,387 runs at an average of 32.16. In List A format, the veteran has featured in 241 matches and has amassed 4252 runs at a decent average of 25.46. In the T20s, he has played 172 matches and has stroked 2305 runs. With the ball, he has scalped a total of 805 wickets including all three formats of the game and is considered one of the greatest players at the domestic level.

Meanwhile, here are some Twitter reactions:

That's very amusing! Well played lad…welcome back to club life!

— Ryan Bradshaw (@Ryanbradshaw29) May 28, 2022

‘Great team effort, we go again next week 👊 💪’

— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) May 28, 2022

Great work ruining Saturdays for normal folk!

— Justin Cousins (@JJ_Cousins) May 28, 2022

Helping the side I have an obligation to help. Why is that a case of showing some dignity?

— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) May 28, 2022

Sorry- you are only a year out of the Championship..and could easily have carried on for a few more years..that club game sounds a bit too easy for you

— Laurence Weeks (@LaurenceWeeks3) May 28, 2022

109 balls 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WRgChKsX5R

— The Leading Edge Cricket Podcast (@LeadingEdgePod) May 28, 2022

22 6’s the poor bowlers 😂😂

— Tom (@tmooresy25) May 28, 2022

Embarrassing

— Ben Crawshaw (@G_D2S) May 28, 2022

Just to put into perspective club cricket for ex pros is not all sunshine and rainbows pic.twitter.com/GNgRjcPm3I

— Jade Dernbach (@Jwd_16) May 29, 2022

Can’t believe @RikkiClarke81 getting nailed a bit here. 200 is an amazing effort especially when he lost his eyes years ago!

— Christopher Wright (@lifeofchrisw) May 29, 2022

Against a 3rd team what’s that showing the youngsters

It’s great your playing for your local side but play in 1s vs 1s games otherwise it’s pointless puts people playing off playing

Im Surrey member so no hate or angle towards this just think the level you pick is key! 💙

— Nick P – BFC 🐝🐝 (@nicholas89patel) May 29, 2022

As a player of probably similar standard to those you smashed about the park, I can only feel sorry for the opposition. The leagues are designed to give teams of similar ability a fighting chance against each other through filtering ability. This is not helping as you think

— David Smyth #Ashaman (@davidsworlduk) May 29, 2022

That really is nothing to be celebrating. Mismatches in sport, cricket in particular, really do make for a waste of a day for everyone. Maybe next time declare on 100?
I hear Ronaldo just turned out for his old Lisbon Under15 side, they won 71-1, I think he got 69 of them..

— Ryan Penter (@Spuddie79) May 29, 2022