Worcestershire opener Jake Libby is already planning for when his playing career eventually comes to an end – and he is intending to remain out in the middle.
The prolific batter still has three years left of his contract at Visit Worcestershire New Road but took his first steps last summer towards his long term goal of becoming a first class umpire by officiating in the Worcestershire County League.
He hopes one day after hanging up his spikes to follow in the footsteps of former Worcestershire players Richard Illingworth and Jack Shantry.
Former spinner Illingworth became part of the ECB umpires list in 2006 and then the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2013.
He has won the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire Of The Year in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Ex pace bowler Shantry was forced to retire through injury in 2018 and joined the ECB umpires list in 2022.
Libby said: “I officiated in eight games in the Worcestershire County League in the end last summer and really enjoyed that.
“It is a different challenge, and I plan to continue doing that.
“It will be a long process but becoming an umpire is definitely something I am considering for when I retire from playing, 100 per cent.
“I’ve just got to keep doing what I can for the time being, keep involved and get as much experience as I can, and we will see where we go.
“I’ve spoke to Shants quite a lot, more so pre last season, and he’s been really good and done really well and came through the ranks really quickly.
“Hopefully I can do something similar to him but we shall see how it goes.”
