After a resilient performance in the season opener at Taunton, Worcestershire head to Headingley to face Yorkshire full of belief and momentum for their second Rothesay County Championship Division One fixture of the campaign.
Despite being on the back foot across the first two days against Somerset, the Pears dug in with determination to take nine valuable points from the clash, a return that felt almost like a win, such was the comeback nature of the performance.
Reflecting on that effort, opener Jake Libby said: “We showed a lot of fight and character. The first couple of days certainly didn’t go our way, but to bounce back and come away with nine points gives us massive belief. We know we’re a tough team to beat.”
It was a battling display with both bat and ball that defined the turnaround. Libby himself played a role in the first innings, forming a composed opening partnership with Gareth Roderick as the pair laid a solid platform against a high-quality Somerset attack. While Worcestershire couldn’t capitalise fully on that start, Libby pointed to the time spent at the crease across the side as being crucial to building rhythm for the challenges ahead.
“The second innings saw a lot of lads spend good time in the middle, and that stands us in good stead going into Headingley,” he added. “As a batting unit, we’ve got that little bit of confidence now.”
Worcestershire’s bowlers also had moments of real promise, notably having Somerset in early trouble at 40 for 3 in their first innings. The pace duo of Tom Taylor, and Ben Allison in particular found good rhythm.
As for the hosts, Yorkshire will be looking to respond strongly after defeat in their opening fixture and will be boosted by home comforts at Headingley. Their squad, as always, boasts a blend of international pedigree and exciting young talent, but Worcestershire aren’t overly focused on individual names.
“Every team in this division is packed with quality,” Libby said. “But we’ll do what we did last year and just focus on ourselves. We back our group, we stick together, and we know that when we play our way, we can put teams under pressure.”
Worcestershire’s coaching staff will be keen to build on the momentum from Taunton and begin converting fighting draws into early-season wins as this first block of Championship fixtures continues.
“They come thick and fast now,” Libby noted. “We showed last year what we’re capable of, and we’ve already seen glimpses this season. It’s about taking our chances and driving those moments home.”
FIXTURE INFO
📍 Headingley, Leeds
📅 Friday 11 April – Monday 14 April
📺 Live Stream via Yorkshire CCC website
📲 Follow all the action across Worcestershire CCC social channels
