Jake Libby has backed his Worcestershire teammates to show more resilience and determination over the final two days at Headingley, after a tough afternoon session on Day Two swung the momentum decisively in Yorkshire’s favour.
Worcestershire had laid a strong platform with a 90-run opening stand between Libby and Gareth Roderick, but a collapse after lunch saw them bowled out for 162 in reply to Yorkshire’s 456. The hosts then extended their advantage further, reaching 61 for one at the close of play, a lead of 355.
Reflecting on the day, Libby admitted it had been difficult but was full of praise for Yorkshire’s performance with the ball.
“It was a really tough day for us,” he said. “You have to give credit to them, they bowled very well. They were relentless with their line and length, made us play a lot of forward defences, and stuck the ball in good areas for long periods.
“There was enough in the pitch, and unfortunately, we just weren’t able to handle it over the course of the day.”
Having top-scored with 53, Libby helped set the tone early in the innings but acknowledged the side’s frustration at another post-lunch collapse, something that has occurred more than once in the opening two rounds of Championship cricket.
“It’s really disappointing, of course. There’s not much margin as a bowler on that surface, but if you stick to your length long enough, you’ll get rewards.
“It’s something we’ve got to look at, it’s happened a couple of times now. But at the same time, hats off to them. This is Division One cricket, and you’re learning all the time.”
Libby also highlighted the difference between the two sides with the ball across the first two days, pointing out how Yorkshire executed their plans more consistently.
“They’ve had two really good days of cricket. They batted well and put us under pressure with their length. That made it tough for our bowlers to hit those areas consistently, which I know they’ll be disappointed with.
“With the ball, Yorkshire showed us how it should be done.”
Worcestershire had begun the morning hopeful of limiting the hosts to under 450, but a rapid 70 from Jordan Thompson either side of the close on Day One pushed Yorkshire into a commanding position.
“They always had a strong score on the board, but I think it just got away from us a little bit, especially last night and this morning.
“It’s fair to say the game has slipped away over the two days, and we’ll have to work really hard to get back into it.”
Looking ahead to Day Three, Libby knows what the group needs to do, and it starts with discipline.
“We’ll need to bowl with control, try to keep the runs dry, and keep them out there as long as possible. Then, when it’s our turn to bat, it’s going to take long periods of concentration, like we showed we can do at Somerset.”
There was also praise for Ben Allison, who continued his excellent form with the ball by picking up three wickets across both innings so far.
“He bowled really well tonight. I thought all the bowlers, especially Tommy Taylor too, probably didn’t get the rewards they deserved. We beat the bat plenty of times.
“It just shows, if you put it in the right area, you’ll get results. Hopefully, we can do that again tomorrow morning, grab a few edges, and the boys can take a few poles.”
Libby also provided an update on skipper Brett D’Oliveira, who dislocated his thumb while diving in the field and came in lower down the order to bat.
“He’s gone for a scan now. Brett’s a vital part of this team, as captain and as a batter.
“It was brave of him to go out there today and do what he could. Hopefully he doesn’t pull up too sore and we can get him back out on the field soon.”
Despite the size of the challenge ahead, Libby is confident that the group has what it takes to respond.
“We’ve got plenty of fight in this group, and we’ll definitely be giving it everything over these last two days.”
