Oswestry are still hopeful that Joe Clarke will still be able to turn out for the Morda Road side in 2019 despite making a move to Nottinghamshire.

Clarke, just one week after helping Worcestershire to the T20 Blast title, has signed a four-year deal with the Trent Bridge side.

The highly-talented right hander from Trefonen, who has toured with the England Lions for the last three years, had attracted the interest of a number of counties in recent months with his contract at New Road due to expire at the end of the season. Clarke was being linked with Notts more than 12 months ago.

Oswestry Chairman, Chris Wiseman, however, does not rule out the possibility of Clarke returning to Morda Road next season to play Birmingham League game cricket.

He said: ''It is, of course , entirely down to Notts and Joe – James Taylor played the odd game for Shrewsbury when he was at Trent Bridge.

"Joe has been brilliant in the dressing room this year , and has made every effort to play whenever available.We could not have asked for more.

"We shall certainly be looking to retain his Birmingham League registration as a 'home grown' player.

"Whatever happens, we all wish Joe the very best of luck of luck in this, the new chapter of his career."

The former Shropshire player will make his farewell appearance for Worcestershire against Yorkshire.

Clarke's magnificent, undefeated 177 at Trent Bridge in the Championship, at the end of June, which saved his side from defeat, would, no doubt, have only further fuelled the east Midland club's keen interest.

Despite Worcestershire's best attempts to retain the services of Clarke with the offer – it is believed – of a much improved contract, the Pears relegation to Division Two last week, is likely to have had some bearing on his final decision .

Clarke is currently Worcestershire's top scorer in the Championship this season with 834 runs at an average of 36.04. Scoring consistent runs in the top flight of the County Championship will only strengthen his hand for a Test call with the England batting cupboard looking somewhat bare at the moment.

Notts latest capture signals their fourth new signing in recent weeks. Batsmen Ben Duckett and Ben Slater have joined the Outlaws from Northants and Derbyshire respectively, as has Leicestershire all-rounder Zak Chappell.

In recent years Clarke has played for both Oswestry and Wellington in the League, making six appearances for the Border men this season, and averaging nearly 50 with the bat.