Clarke top of the class of 2002

"It's a bit weird really," explained Surrey's phlegmatic Rikki Clarke as he tried to absorb the news that he had been picked for England in the ICC Champions' Trophy.

Not exactly the sentiment you might expect from a 20-year-old who had just been selected for his country at the end of a Championship-winning debut season. Thrilled, yes. But "weird"?

"Well, obviously I am delighted as well, but it's weird because I started the season just trying to make sure I did well in Surrey seconds and hoping I'd get a few Norwich Union games. If I did well in them I was hoping to make my first-class debut late in the season. I did that early, and although it was against Cambridge, it was a big moment. Now, England."

The pace with which Clarke has risen to prominence has shocked him, and considering back in March he was trying to break into a side containing seven or eight internationals, it is no wonder.

However, talent cannot be denied, and Clarke has impressed many a cynical and shrewd judge this season. He is tall and stands up in the crease, effortlessly moving into line before playing a straight bat. The technique is good as he covers his off-stump and aims to hit down the ground, but what impresses is the time he has to play the ball.

During last week's Norwich Union match against Derby he calmly faced down the pace of Mohamed Ali while the competent and in-form Nadeem Shahid was swishing his bat and jumping into position, unsettled by the speed.

Having time equals having class, and with more than 700 first-class runs at an average above 50, his figures support his selection. Admittedly his bowling statistics are less impressive, 11 wickets at 41, although he has been hampered by injury. However, so rare are all-rounders that any who show the potential to develop are heralded; witness Dominic Cork, Andy Flintoff and the late Ben Hollioake.

It is only natural that Clarke's story should entwine with that of Hollioake, his former Surrey team-mate. Both relaxed personalities, talents plucked to fame at a tender age – and without Hollioake's death Clarke would probably not have played for Surrey, let alone England.

"Yeah, the start of the season was terrible because of Ben," he said. "Then Adam stayed in Australia and suddenly I was playing. It was weird, but what struck me was how good the dressing room was. Senior players really tried to help and that settled me down. It's hard going into a room of stars, but they made me feel good, made me feel part of it all."

Such unity may explain why Surrey are the strongest side, have dominated the Championship from the first match, and integrate young players so well.

"Undoubtedly it helps; you develop a strong identity with them and feel you belong, and winning this Championship is like the players' answer for Ben," Clarke said.

"There is a feeling in the dressing room that we should fear nothing, especially failure. We have a freedom to play aggressively that suits me and we work very hard on confidence, believing we are the best. When you go into a dressing room like that it rubs off. I have not been overawed all summer and hopefully won't be for England, partly because of my own natural way but also because of that Surrey mentality.

"Also I have learned to work hard. When Adam returned he kept me in the side, but he constantly works on me to help. He gives me titbits of advice and tells me never to be satisfied with just my batting or bowling in a match. Every morning practice, I concentrate on the part of my game that is struggling, always working so I can have an effect on the day's play. That is what Adam keeps telling me all-rounders must do – have an effect."

His effectiveness has helped him to a Championship medal, talk of a call-up for the current Test match, a winter at the Academy in Australia after the ICC Trophy and, depending on his performances, a possible showing at the World Cup in February. "Amazing, isn't it?" he says. And weird.