STEVE Rhodes believes Worcestershire batting heroes Ed Barnard and Joe Clarke reaped the benefits of their experiences with the England under-19 side as they helped earn a draw at Derbyshire.

Nightwatchman Barnard and Clarke joined forces in the first over of the day in County Championship Division Two with the visitors on 24-2 after following on 303 behind.

The young duo defied the Derbyshire attack for almost 44 overs in adding 146 with Barnard scoring a career-best 73 and Clarke 63.

Further strong resistance from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (48) and Alexei Kervezee (41) ensured the county claimed the five points available for a draw as they closed on 294-6.

Director of cricket Rhodes said: “We worked hard and the two 20-year-old lads, Barney and Clarkey, put in a really good partnership in the early part of the day, which was very crucial.

“The good thing about them is they’ve come through that under-19 system, something I’m very in favour of.

“It’s a great opportunity for youngsters to represent their country and both have done that for a period of time.

“It gives them a really good grounding for times like that – a fighting situation in first-class cricket at a very young age – so that’s a big tick for England under-19s.”

Barnard has been batting at number nine for much of the campaign but Rhodes has always recognised his talent.

He said: “Ed is a genuine all-rounder. He’s batted at six for our first XI in a previous game and has always been in the top six in England under-19 cricket. The question of where he bats for me isn’t important, it’s the amount of runs he gets.”