NATIONAL COUNTIES Libby returns to Cornish roots

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Created on Thursday, 04 May 2023 13:11

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 May 2023 13:11

Published on Thursday, 04 May 2023 13:11

Written by PAUL BOLTON National Counties Cricket correspondent

Worcestershire batter Jake Libby returned to his cricket roots at the weekend when he played league cricket for Callington and for Cornwall in their National Counties T20 double-header against Dorset at Milton Abbey School. 

A free weekend for Worcestershire meant that Libby was able to return to the Duchy and also make his first appearance for Cornwall in five years. 

Although Cornwall lost the first match they won the second with Libby contributing 77 to help set up a nine runs victory over a strong Dorset side that included contracted Hampshire players Ross Whiteley, Joe Eckland and Tom Prest. 

Libby played his formative cricket in and for Cornwall and was a member of the side that won the Minor Counties Championship – now Durant Cricket National Counties Championship – in 2012. 

His performances for Cornwall attracted Nottinghamshire’s interest and an unbeaten double century on his Second XI debut against Warwickshire followed by a century against Sussex on his County Championship debut got him off to a flying start. 

Libby moved to Worcestershire three years ago and has since cemented his place at the top of the order at New Road, but he has continued to follow Cornwall’s fortunes and was delighted to have the opportunity to help them keep alive their hopes of qualifying for T20 Finals Day at Tring on May 21. 

“I grew up playing with Paul Smith, Cornwall’s captain, and we still are good friends. I speak to him regularly and also Godfrey Furse, the team manager. 

“They were always keen to get me back me down. It’s always nice to go back and play for Cornwall, I’ve always enjoyed it, and as Worcestershire had a week off, it fitted in quite well. 

“I played club cricket for Callington where my brother still plays on Saturday so it was nice to go back and play with him and some old faces. 

“Then, on the way back I played for Cornwall against Dorset. It was a lovely school at Milton Abbey and a picturesque ground so I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend. 

“I remember how competitive National Counties cricket is. After losing the first game on what was quite a difficult wicket, to hit them as I did in the second and bowl nicely and contribute is why I went there. 

“I enjoyed the occasion but to contribute to a win was nice.” 

Libby is not the only Worcestershire player who has been playing National Counties cricket this season as his county team-mate Kashif Ali has been a regular for Bedfordshire. Berkshire have been able to call on Middlesex pair Jack Davies and Toby Greatwood, Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan, Leicestershire all-rounder Tom Scriven and Hampshire all-rounder Toby Albert, Warwickshire left-arm wrist spinner Jake Lintott has been playing for Wiltshire with Sussex batter Harrison Ward appearing for Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire spinner Freddie Heldreich for Suffolk. 

All those players played their formative senior county cricket for National Counties and their availability in recent weeks reflects their commitment to those counties as well as providing them with competitive and challenging cricket ahead of the start of the Vitality Blast. 

“I always think that down in Cornwall you are tucked away a bit, out of sight, out of mind. So, playing for the county gets you around the country and gets you noticed,” Libby said. 

“A combination of playing for Cornwall and playing for university certainly helped me. 

“I had two good seasons playing for Cornwall one of which we won the three-day Championship which was fantastic for the county and it also helped me progress in my career. 

“League cricket is strong down there and the county have always been one that wants to win trophies and compete at the top end of National Counties cricket. 

“National Counties cricket has changed in the five years since I last played. The introduction of coloured kits and white balls was needed and it’s modernised it alongside the professional game. 

“For myself and the other contracted players who have been playing in the T20 it’s great preparation coming into the Vitality Blast in the next few weeks. 

“It’s very strong cricket. It’s competitive cricket and it’s fantastic preparation for the Blast. 

“Dorset were a very strong side and I was very impressed by the standard as a whole. Hopefully it has stood me in good stead for the Blast.” 

Cornwall will hope that it is not another five years before they are able to select Libby again and he is also keen to maintain his links with the county when his Worcestershire commitments permit. 

“I’ve said to Paul and Godfrey that I will keep them in the loop. If I can play another game I would love to,” he said. 

“Annoyingly there are a lot of fixture clashes which make it unlikely although there is potentially a three-day game later in the summer.” 

 

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