All-rounder Jordan Clark is taking inspiration from watching Ryan McLaren last year as he bids to further develop his game with Lancashire.

Clark, from Cleator, made the headlines last month when he took a Specsavers County Championship hat-trick for the ages by dismissing Yorkshire’s international trio Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Jonny Bairstow.

The 27-year-old has always had an eye for the spectacular.

In 2013, he hit six sixes in an over in a second-team game against Yorkshire at Scarborough, before taking a treble-wicket maiden to turn a T20 Blast quarter-final against Glamorgan Lancashire’s way the following summer.

And, early last summer, he hit a brilliant 140 in a Championship draw against Surrey at the Oval to mark his maiden and only first-team century.

However, the Cumbrian has made no secret of his desire to add more consistency to his game and be a force for Lancashire in all forms.

He certainly has the talent, but it has not always worked out for a man who played junior club cricket against England star Ben Stokes, who comes from Cockermouth.

McLaren made a significant impression on all at Emirates Old Trafford last summer – his only campaign as the Red Rose’s overseas player.

The former South Africa all-rounder was named as the club’s Player of the Year, having taken 45 Championship wickets and scoring just over 600 runs.

“I spoke early on in the season about how it was an aim of mine to find some consistency and stay focused instead of starting well and tailing off at the end,” said Clark.

“It’s just about keeping the focus and enjoying it.

“Everyone wants to play well every game, and you have to aim high and make sure you prepare well. My aim is to turn games and win them.

"We don’t have Ryan from last year, so there’s more responsibility there for me, and it’s a confidence builder.

“Mac played that role, batting at seven and being the first or second change bowler. I’m trying my hardest to fill his boots.

“It was nice watching him do what I’m trying to, perform day in and day out. The way he was off the pitch was very professional. All the lads learned a lot from him. He was an inspiration.

“He was the guy you looked up to and thought ‘That’s how cricket should be played and that’s how to manage your lifestyle around the game’.

"I’m happy with how it’s going at the moment.”

Clark has returned 23 wickets and scored 480 runs in nine Championship appearances this season.

But Championship cricket has been put on the back burner for the next few weeks to concentrate on the Vitality Blast – a competition which has started encouragingly for them.

The Lightning currently sit top of the North Group with 11 points from eight games, including five wins, two defeats and Sunday’s washout against Worcestershire at New Road. They also sit on 11 points.

Lancashire’s next outing is against Leicestershire at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday. They have already beaten the Foxes at Grace Road.

By the time that fixture comes around, they could be off top spot given a couple of teams below them play either beforehand.

Clark has contributed 82 runs from four innings and is top of Lancashire’s Blast batting averages (36) courtesy of three not outs. He has added five wickets.