Ton-up Libby ties them up in Notts
SECOND XI
A BLISTERING unbeaten century by Jake Libby for Nottinghamshire’s second XI was just the tonic he needs to have a rampant end to the season.
The opener has endured an inconsistent campaign with his top score of 109 coming against Glamorgan before his knock against Worcestershire seconds this week.
But his 170 not out on the final day helped Notts fight back to draw and Libby admits his impressive stand was much-needed ahead of the return of County Championship cricket next week.
He said: “This game was perfect preparation in getting back into it and is a welcome boost before going back to the first team.
“It was a big lift, I wanted to make sure that when I got in I did not give my wicket away. To get 170 was perfect proof of that and I wanted to get more time in the middle and learn to build a big innings. That was my mindset and was the perfect way to show what I can do.
“In terms of the game situation it was perfect for what it was, we got the draw which was good from the team’s point of view.”
Nottinghamshire, who are top of Division Two, resume their County Championship campaign at struggling Derbyshire on Sunday.
And with Michael Lumb and Greg Smith retiring from the Notts ranks, Libby believes it is a good chance for everyone to step up.
“We all need to chip in with a slightly reduced squad from the start of the year and it has increased the pressure on the players but I think that’s a good thing,” the 24-year-old said.
“It makes it clear what we need to do for the rest of the season, we need to take care of our own games.We need to pull together, hopefully get a couple of big individual scores and finish off the season well.”