JOE Clarke has revealed his delight to see close friend Tom Fell make a successful return to Worcestershire first team action.

Fell made his first appearance after his double battle against cancer and scored 61 and 10 in the Specsavers County Championship success over Leicestershire at New Road.

He received a standing ovation when he walked out to the middle for his first knock - an indication of the popularity of the 22-year-old who has endured a tough nine months.

Clarke, whose second innings hundred set up a thrilling three wicket success, said: "It is great to see Felly back. It's amazing.

"As someone who is very close to him, it's been very, very tough for a few of us and all of the lads since the news of Felly's cancer came out.

"It's fantastic to see him back in the first team and it didn't even look as if he had been away after that first innings.

"It was the old Felly that we had seen last year, that had scored 1,000 runs in the First Division and looked so good.

"It is a breath of fresh air to have him back in the team."