News of the Ones that Got Away: Jake Libby

19/09

Jake Libby and the best List A record in the world: "The list is quite funny, isn't it?"

NICK FRIEND - INTERVIEW: When Libby steps onto the field for his 50th List A appearance at Trent Bridge to captain Worcestershire in Saturday's One Day Cup final, he'll usurp Michael Bevan for the world's highest batting average in the format

"You don't see Virat Kohli walking out at Repton School," laughs Jake Libby, tongue firmly in cheek, as he seeks to contextualise a world record that is, for a short time at least, set to become his.

When Worcestershire's captain leads out his county at Trent Bridge in the One Day Cup final against Hampshire on Saturday, he will be making his fiftieth List A appearance, allowing him to slide in at the top of the all-time list as the holder of the format's highest batting average, with 50 games as the minimum cut-off.

For a period of time, this statistic was Sam Hain's domain, used to champion his cause for England, who continually overlooked him for ODI cricket, barring two matches against Ireland in 2023. His time, sadly, appears to have passed.

Understandably, Libby finds amusement in this avenue of conversation, having been nonplussed when Jack Home, the teenage quick, began teasing him in Worcestershire's dressing room. "He started coming in, saying that I was better than Virat," Libby recalls.

"A few of the boys have been taking the piss out of me for it. I think I need to score 31 runs, or something? So, no pressure then."

The number to which Libby is referring likely came to him via The Cricketer, who were tipped off about his impending global domination by one of his teammates, who asked this correspondent to do the maths on it.

Through 49 List A games, Libby averages 58.65, a somewhat remarkable figure, all told. If dismissed at the weekend, those 31 runs would keep him ahead of Michael Bevan, the great Australian middle-order player, who currently sits atop the chart, 0.1 ahead of Hain.

The rest of the top ten reads as follows: Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Babar Azam, Khurram Manzoor, AB de Villiers, James Taylor.

"A few of the boys have been showing me the list. It is quite funny, isn't it?"

And, in all honesty, it is. Libby, 21 first-class tons to his name, has only hit three white-ball centuries and played 58 T20s over the course of a near-decadelong career, better known for its red-ball consistency. But simultaneously he has passed fifty in 22 of List A 46 innings and been not out in 11.

"I didn't even think about it at all," he says. "I just knew that I had a decent List A record."

In the last five years, of course, the One Day Cup has changed, and Libby has feasted accordingly. Only seven of his List A appearances came in the pre-Hundred era, and he averaged sub-30 between 2019 and 2021 in 50-over cricket.

But since then, he has been the Metro Bank gun. Worcestershire last failed to reach the knockout phase in 2022 and, coming into this season, no one had scored more runs since its move to August than Libby, although Nick Gubbins has taken that mantle off him in recent weeks. In the last four years, he has averaged 66.40, 66.16, 105.20 and 63.14.

This version of the One Day Cup has provided the perfect funnel for counties to introduce their best youngsters, but the lesser-told story has been of how the established senior pros have dominated. So, for Libby and Gubbins, see James Bracey, one of multiple players with a double ton in English domestic 50-over cricket since 2021.

"It's very similar to four-day cricket, but you just have to up the tempo a little bit," says Libby, analysing his own success. "That's how I look at it. It is very different to T20 cricket, which is almost a very specialist role nowadays. I feel like in 50-over cricket, you still need the absolute basics because, ultimately, it is still a long time to bat. The fundamentals of four-day cricket carry across.

"That list of the top run-scorers in this competition are all experienced pros who also do well in first-class cricket. But the tempo of 50-over cricket these days, if you bat in the top four, it gives you the chance to bat for a long period of time, ultimately, against a white Kookaburra that doesn't do as much as a red ball."

You don't have to look a long way down the list of this year's tournament's most prolific batters – the likes of Imam-ul-Haq, Tom Westley, Sam Robson, Ali Orr, Jack Haynes, Brett D'Oliveira, Caleb Jewell, James Rew and Will Rhodes – to see what Libby is talking about.

The secret, he says, is "solid cricket", rather than anything more spectacular. Indeed, there have been 35 totals between 280 and 300 so far in this summer's competition.

"I don't want to sound old-fashioned, but I still see 50-over cricket as being a long day, a long time to play. You have to do the basics for a long period of time, so we try to keep the game really simple. It's all very well having a very good 10-over spell, but in 50-over cricket – particularly on some of the outground pitches that we play on – they're not always belting wickets where you can hit every ball over the ropes. You have to be a bit smarter and cleverer. You have to keep setting the game up."

Worcestershire and Hampshire exist at extreme ends of the Metro Bank spectrum: Libby's side only lost Adam Hose from their first-team squad to The Hundred, while Hampshire – a Test venue and home to Southern Brave – have been without their white-ball core. When the counties met in the group stage at New Road, Ben Allison took six wickets as a visiting lineup featuring both 17-year-old Ben Mayes and India star Tilak Varma were blown away fairly clinically by a side broadly recognisable as Alan Richardson's first team.

Virtually at full strength, it's a month's light relief for a county used to life as one of the little guys, relegated this week from the County Championship's top flight. "That is exactly how we've seen it," Libby agrees. "The situation is what it is; it's just a great opportunity for us to put out a strong side. It has worked well for us. We only lost one game in the group stage, and it has shown: we have dominated sides. A lot of that is down to having the mindset of knowing that we can win this competition, wanting to give it a really good go."

Libby, who takes the reins from D'Oliveira for these weeks, is under no illusions: "We've beaten Hampshire and Surrey at home this year. Let's not beat around the bush; they are two teams who, when all their players are there, are quite intimidating and, by all accounts, we are the underdogs going into that fixture.

"So, it's weird to go into games against these guys not necessarily feeling like you should win the game but having a very good chance of winning if you play well. It's the flip with four-day cricket, where we go into a lot of games as underdogs, looking at the opposition and seeing how strong their lineup is.

"That is how we've felt through this competition, so it has just been nice to put in the performances to back up what we have at our disposal. We absolutely dominated Surrey on what was quite a tough pitch. It has been nice, after being under pressure a lot, to play some front-foot cricket."

That's not a unique thought. Ben Charlesworth, the Gloucestershire batter, offered similar sentiments after winning at Guildford and, on a wider level, the enthusiasm for the tournament has been reflected in attendance figures across the board.

Libby's sense matches up to his conversations with members at New Road and, while he prefaces the suggestion "a bit bizarre", he reckons that the atmosphere for his county's 50-over campaign has generally been better than for their T20 Blast fixtures.

Introductions to Isaac Mohammed and Dan Lategan, the tremendously talented left-handed duo, have helped. Both have been drip-fed into Worcestershire's first-team plans, giving supporters a glimpse into the future without compromising their immediate priorities. "They are very strong boys, can clear the ropes," says Libby, part of an ever-growing band of impressed observers. "They are part of that modern-day, new generation of cricketer. Both have such a good temperament and neither have been overawed by it. They've just gone about their business; they have really bright futures – hopefully at Worcester."

That final caveat is an all-too-familiar warning for one of English cricket's great conveyer belts, accustomed to producing – and then being plundered for – talented youngsters. Neither Mohammed nor Lategan are traditional academy products, and both were recruited in distinct ways, but they've found their voices at New Road.

Mohammed, Moeen Ali's nephew, debuted in the Blast, but Lategan – South Africa-born – has made his first steps in the One Day Cup. For the limitations on English cricket of shuffling the 50-over tournament underneath The Hundred, it has undoubtedly – if unwittingly – cultivated a pathway: Lategan, for example, has since played in the Championship.

It leads Libby to a measured take on one of the unanswered questions of the domestic schedule debate: where the One Day Cup fits into the jigsaw.

"I've thought about this a lot," he says, "and I think that how they want to go with The Hundred, I still think that the County Championship should take precedent. That should still be at the forefront. I would love to have the Hundred players in the 50-over competition and make it the big, signature competition in England, but I think the reality of that is difficult. So, for me, having played in this tournament for the last few years, I personally feel that it works as well as it can do, within our schedule.

"It is still a strong competition, without being too overboard: guys take it seriously and you get really well supported. It still has that big-stage feeling, going out in front of a big crowd. I guess that is about as much as you can ask for. I spent a bit of time in Australia when I was younger, and I went to watch a bit of their 50-over competition, and there were about 100 people there, if that. That is why, I think, we have to be careful with what we wish for a little bit.

"Something is going to have to take a hit. The hit is that we have to lose our best players from the 50-over competition, but I don't think that has affected the crowds of the following. It would be nice to have more games on Sky, but I completely get that The Hundred has taken that. As players, we accept that."

Which brings him to the prospect of a final, the tournament's only televised game, two summers after Worcestershire's red-ball promotion, seven years on from their last silverware, the Blast title. Sixteen months have also moved by since the passing of Josh Baker, which has made the time since unimaginably difficult. It also, without question, gives extra significance to this Saturday. Libby was on the way to a golf day in Baker's memory as he chatted for this piece.

"Ultimately," he reflects, "we play cricket a lot of the time for individual purposes, focusing on yourself. But the memories you have and what you remember when you retire and get older is those really special days. One of them would be lifting a trophy at Trent Bridge. Everyone would remember it fondly for the rest of their lives.

"For the club, for what we've been through over the last couple of years – on and off the pitch, it would mean a hell of a lot to a lot of people – in the stands and on the pitch. Also, we work really hard at Worcester. All that hard work of the last few years, it would be just rewards."

Those 31 runs, then, can sit on the backburner. "I'm sure there will be some jokes made later in the evening, if I do or don't get there. With a final, though, I will be focusing on the day."

17/09

Alex Hales   scorecard

31/08

Joe Pocklington back with his adopted Lincolnshire scored 153(149) 21x4, 5 x6 at High Wycombe yesterday.

Tom Giles is also playing in the game.
Sammy King is also in the Norfolk XI playing in Cumbria at Netherfield CC's ground.

Tax-exile Alex Hales 74 for his CPL Knightriders franchise in his latest outing.

26/08

Matt Montgomery completed his MBC loan spell with Derbyshire Falcons with his second century of the campaign, in the Falcons' last game (defeat).

22/08

Excused duties at Derbyshire ahead of a coaching role (perhaps), Samit Patel has been drafted to the H*ndred with the Northern Leeds franchise as a replacement for a replacement.

Matt Montgomery scored 114 in defeat for his new employers.

08/08

Jake Libby's century against Notts at Welbeck, was his fourth century in as many innings (Cup/CC/NCS)

05/08

On debut for Falcons, 42(39) and 7-0-45-1 in their defeat to Gloucestershire

01/08

Career best 221 for Ben Compton to thwart Foxes.

Matt Milnes 5/31 for Yorkshire forcing a win over Sussex with the dreaded kookaburra.

27/07

Joey Evison has signed a contract with Kent for another two seasons.

19/07

Ahead of last night's finale and comprehensive thrashing, Derbyshire posted this:

Derbyshire Falcons captain, Samit Patel, will leave the Club upon the conclusion of the Vitality Blast. 

Since joining the Club from Nottinghamshire in 2023, Patel, 40, has made 33 appearances for Derbyshire, across T20 and List A, scoring 523 runs and claiming 33 wickets. He holds the all-time record for the most appearances in the Vitality Blast, as well as featuring in the top ten for both runs and wickets in the competition.

The Falcons skipper has led the to many memorable victories, including wins over Notts Outlaws at The Central Co-op County Ground and Trent Bridge, doing the T20 double over Yorkshire in 2025 and claiming back-to-back victories against Leicestershire Foxes in double-headers at Edgbaston.

Patel will captain the Falcons for the final time this evening, against Birmingham Bears at The Central Co-op County Ground.

10/07

Another gung-ho 40 for Sol Budinger in the Foxes' win over the freefalling Sticklebacks

08/07

Flying in under the Radar (yes I missed this one), in the South Group of the Blast (that'll be why), playing since the middle of last month has been Imad Wasim (someone who I thought Mick Newell had on speed dial), signed for Glamorgan in the country of his birth His best return so far has been 3/23 at Bristol last month.

In case you missed it too.

07/07

In defeat Sol Budinger still scored a fifty yesterday, which for him was controlled.

06/07

Luke Wood and Zak Chappell

05/07

02/07

An enthalling finish at Canterbury where Kent were eight down, edging towards parity and then a lead. Joey Evison holding the innings together, with Calvin Harrison in tandem with Yuzvendra Chalal taking 7 of the 8 wickets to fall before, with the 16 final hour overs already exceeded, Kent take the lead before hands were shaken.

01/07

Calvin Harrison, for the second match batting at 3, scored his maiden century (122) for Northants at Canterbury with the Kookaburra ball.

30/06

Jake Libby done really well with the Kookaburra, 228*.

26/06

There is a rumour, with all the credibility of the Daily Mail, circulating that former Notts boy Ben Compton is crossing the estuary, but his move to Essex has been a perrenial rumour sown in recent times. Also rumoured is Sam Northeast's return to Kent from the valleys.

Atherton juniour, Josh de Caires could be off to dad's old club Lancashire or possibly Essex again. Somerset's misfit and England's darling, Shoaib Bashir is pencilled-in for a Warwickshre deal with Essex, Lancashire and Leicestershire looking to fight for scraps if it falls flat .

Lancashire look likely to add Ajeet Singh Dale to their stable of quicks and Zaman Akhtar is also keenly sought by a number of counties..

Jonny Baistow, it is rumoured, might go freelance (with whatever the implications with than are - which could trigger a number of copy cat franchise circus performers including Joe Clarke and Alex Hales, if he's not already).

Yorkshire look set to release Jonny Tattersall.

25/06

Calvin Harrison had another fair to good all round game for Northamptonshire this week. Batted at 3 in both innings and took second innings wickets in a rare Kooraburra positive result.

24/06

During the current round of Kookaburra borefests Sol Budinger bagged a ton at an impressive strike rate of 112.

16/06

Amid the latest Taunton slogathon, Joey Evison emerged with respectable bowling figures. Joey is out of contract at the end of this season.

4-0-24-2

Perhaps Sol Budinger's scores need a mention for Leicestershire Foxes - that's the mention in that case!

5/06

Samit Patel has had an inspired weekend: Friday night beating his former employers on his old stomping ground...

....then on Saturday afternoon guiding his side to beat Derbyshire's other East Midlands rivals at Edgbaston.

All at his veteran age, where there's no whining about safe-guarding and mental health issues through having to go to travel and go to work two days in a row.

07/06

Fateh Singh who should be playing against the Outlaws this evening, had a good night with the ball last night.

4-0-16-1 against Steelbacks who racked up 190, but not from Fateh's bowling eh.

4-0-27-2 was Jacob Duffy's return on the evening, so he too escaped with light damage. 

Samit Patel couldn't take to the field for Outlaws' innings last night owing to a calf injury. You have to be mindful that at his age, any injury just might draw the curtains on his excellent career for good. Fingers crossed for young Samit.

04/06

At the age of 40, Samit Patel scored 83* (9 fours 4 sixes) in a losing cause for Derbyshire Falcons against Steelbacks this evening. In actuality, Ben Sanderson made a mug of the veteran in the final over, defending the required 14 runs comfortably.

31/05

Sol Budinger with a 50 off just 15 balls, Foxes v Falcons

29/05

Lightning v Rapids where Old Trafford looked almost empty.

Fateh Singh conceded just one boundary 4-0-23-2

28/05

Worcestershire Rapids have named their three former Nottinghamshire players in their squad for upcoming T20 Blast games

Fateh Singh, Jake Libby and Jacob Duffy.

Once Silver Fox has got around to it, he'll probably reciprocate.

25/05

5/75 for Jacob Duffy today in the Pears v Bears derby

Anuj Dal 4/50 and two wickets for Zak Chappell were largely responsible for kent following-on at the Tarmac County Ground Derby

Calvin Harrison is in the wickets at Wantage Road 4/74 at the moment.

24/05

Not so much as one that got away, as one that we don't want to get away.

Calvin Harrison scored a new career best for Northants with 63 today, the second time he has extended his career best knock since joining the Wantage Road side on loan.

Calvin has also posted his bowling return during this loan too.

Ben Compton is currently unbeaten on 105 for Kent batting on a road in Derby.

21/05

a two ball duck for Alex Hales today in the PSL for Islamabad United

17/05

Three wickets for Jake Ball, playing for Kent this week...

12/05

167 today by Jake Libby in defeat at Hove.

11/05

Congratuations to James Hayes with his maiden first class wicket - New Zaland Internatinal Henry Nicholls too.

Earlier James was one of Fateh Singh's victims 3/58

Fateh Singh playing for the Worcestershire first XI was out for a fourth ball duck, caught by loanee James Hayes at Hove yesterday.

06/05

Yorkshire CCC: Glasnost?

Anthony McGrath has reported good news regarding Matt Milnes’ return to first-team action, saying the forthcoming Vitality Blast has been pencilled in as the target for the seam-bowling all-rounder. 

From later this month, Yorkshire’s coach is hoping to have Milnes available for the rest of the season following his issues with back stress fractures across the first two years of his White Rose career.

Having signed for Yorkshire ahead of 2023 from Kent, Milnes has only played four Rothesay County Championship matches for the White Rose county.

Milnes, aged 30, has taken seven wickets, including hauls of 3-31 and 4-14, added to scores of 63 not out and 70 not out across three impressive second-team appearances against Warwickshire and Lancashire so far this summer. 

Head coach McGrath said: “He’s done really well.

“He won’t bowl this week (in the second-team game against Durham at Scarborough, which was always a de-load week with his stuff from his rehab. 

“The medical team, given his history, I think we just want to be extra careful with him.

“The plan all along was for him to rest this week, but he’s doing really well. With a good week off now, hopefully he’ll bowl again down at Billericay next week, the second-team game at Essex.

“Hopefully then he can come into contention for the T20 block and be available for the rest of the season. 

“There’s a few weeks before that, but I think it’s really good signs with how he’s bowled and batted in the second team.”

29/04

Good to see that Matt Milnes is back bowling now for Yorkshire 2s after his injury troubles. scorecard

28/04

Middlesex Escape Derby With a Draw

#JAG went to Dery to check-out Zak et al

some pics on Facebook, just follow the links

26/04

Two more wickets today for Jake Ball in Durham's two day win against Pears

25/04 

Jake Ball 5-fer for Durham today at Atlantis aka New Road

17/04

4 wickets so far against Essex

12/04

Jake Libby 53 against the Tykes for the Pears after a rare wicket yesterday.

11/04

Sol Budinger again today with 81 against Derbyshire, who Zak Chappell took a couple of wickets as the Foxes had the better of day 1 at Grace Road.

06/04

Sol Budinger followed his 56 in the first innings with 32* as Leicestershire beat Glamorgan inside 3 days at Sophia Gardens.

05/04

Zak Chappell 61 today for Derbyshire at Derby

Joey Evison 52 today for Kent at Wantage Road

04/04

Unofficial reports from New Road say that Fateh Singh has had a blow to head and is the midst of the concussion protocol.

01/04

Joey Evison 152* overnight for Kent against the students of Loughborough.

Joey has now reached his double century and stood undefeated on 216 when the Kent skipper DBD declared.

Anuj Dal made 47 retired out at Derby against the SACA

31/03

Zak Chappell 3/52 v SACA