Jake Libby produced yet another masterclass at Hove, compiling a sublime 167 to give Worcestershire real hope of pulling off a memorable run-chase on the final day of their Rothesay County Championship clash against Sussex.
Chasing 361 for victory, Worcestershire were well in the hunt while Libby remained at the crease, but a determined Sussex seam attack eventually sealed a 47-run win late in the evening session.
Libby’s love affair with the 1st Central County Ground continued in style, this was his third century in as many visits, following scores of 215* and 198 in previous years, and while he was at the crease, Worcestershire had genuine belief that they could secure a first red-ball win of the season.
Resuming on 67-3 with 244 required, Libby and nightwatchman Ben Allison had to survive a probing opening spell from England international Ollie Robinson. Allison fell early to Fynn Hudson-Prentice, but Libby, unshaken and fluent, moved through the gears to post his 18th first-class century, and third in three seasons at Hove, just before lunch.
He shared an 81-run stand with Brett D’Oliveira either side of the interval, steadying the chase further until D’Oliveira was bowled by Tom Clark as the new ball approached. Matthew Waite dug in alongside Libby for an hour, but fell for 17 when Karvelas found the edge, well-held by Coles at third slip.
Still, with Libby at the crease, Worcestershire hopes remained intact, until a rare loose shot brought his brilliant six-and-a-half-hour innings to an end, caught at second slip off Hudson-Prentice for 167. Libby’s knock included 22 boundaries and 252 deliveries, earning a deserved standing ovation from the home crowd.
Fateh Singh and the lower order attempted to inch Worcestershire closer, but Robinson returned after tea to finally claim his reward. Singh miscued a pull and was caught on the midwicket boundary, before Robinson wrapped things up in his next over, sending Ben Gibbon’s off stump flying to finish with 3-66 from 29.2 overs.
Despite the defeat, the character shown throughout the fourth innings, led by Libby’s brilliance, underlined the fighting spirit within this Worcestershire side. Attention now turns to the next challenge as the squad looks to build on the resilience shown down at the south coast.
