Worcestershire opener Jake Libby says the challenges presented by last summer’s Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign meant he “grew massively as a leader”
Libby was the Rapids official captain for the 50 Over tournament for the second successive year.
But a substantial injury list and the influx of National Counties players, Academy products and new signings meant there were NINE Worcestershire ODC debutants during the tournament.
Jack Home, Harry Darley, Rehaan Edavalath, Tom Hinley, Hishaam Kham, Tom Sturgess, new signings Tom Taylor and Ethan Brookes plus the then on loan Fateh Singh all tasted ODC cricket for the Rapids for the first time.
Libby responded in impressive fashion and playing-wise led from the front with 526 runs – the most ever by a Rapids player in a season in the tournament – on the way to the quarter-finals.
The 32-year-old, who is also red ball vice-captain, said: “I think it was really good to be there last year with such testing conditions with all the injuries we had in the 50 over competition, it did put a lot of pressure on that.
“To work with a different group, a young hungry group, guys making their debuts in the 50 over competition, was amazing.
“So, I think for me personally it grew me massively as a leader, dealing with so many different characters, and all the change that happened.
“I feel like I’ve had a few years worth of leadership now, whether it be captaincy or just a leader in the dressing room.
“With the group we’ve got to work with now is quite exciting and just enjoying my responsibility on that front.”
Libby is quick to recognise the support he receives from other senior players in the ODC squad.
He said: “Having Rodders (Gareth Roderick) vice-captain for the 50 over competition helped me out last year, and he’s been really good with that.
“There were a lot of senior heads I could turn to and I’ve learnt a lot off those guys.”
Libby also had a taste of leading the side in the County Championship when the inspirational Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira was ruled out through injury.
He said: “Had a little bit of success in getting that win up at Durham last year. I’m just starting to grow a little bit and learn and hopefully keep improving.
“I’ve played now for a quite a while, and you see all these different leaders I’ve played under, like Dolly, and you just try and take snippets and which will affect my style of leadership.”
