jake libby admitted it was a “very emotional“ moment when he completed his first century for worcestershire in the bob willis trophy encounter with glamorgan at New Road.
the opening batsman ended the day unbeaten on 142 as he and brett d’oliveira (123 not out) put on an unbroken 239 for the fourth wicket.
libby did not have the opportunity to play much red ball cricket during his final season at nottinghamshire and has instantly seized his opportunity to open the innings since moving to worcestershire on a three year contract.
he scored 77 on his debut against gloucestershire at bristol and today reached a standing ovation from his team-mates after reaching three figures on his home debut.
libby said: “it is very emotional. it has been a tough couple of years for me so on a personal note so it was great to get the hundred and for the team it’s been a fantastic day.
“i’ve got a lot of messages on my phone and i’ll have a good look through them tonight. i know a lot of people are pleased and my family, this (hundred) is a little bit for them.
“i’ve been a bit disappointed with how it has gone the last couple of years and it’s been a great move for me down to worcestershire and i’ve really enjoyed it so far.
“i haven’t played a lot in the last year so it was a special moment. to get a hundred, it always is. it’s always hard work to get it and it was a special moment when the lads were clapping on the balcony.
“it’s been a long pre-season and it’s great to be back playing some cricket. a lot of people have done well to get us on the park and to put in a couple of performances so far has been really pleasing.
“i’m delighted to be at the top of the order. that’s where i want to bat. that’s where i see my best role.”
libby enjoyed his partnership alongside brett d’oliveira who followed his 91 not out at bristol with another superb effort.
he said: “it’s been great to bat with brett who also got his hundred and it was a special moment for both of us.
“i was a little bit disappointed at bristol not to go on and get the hundred. this was a good pitch to bat on and i cashed in today really.
“we lost three wickets for 70 this morning and to get a partnership like that and bat the whole day with brett was fantastic.
“we were aware it was a good pitch so we didn’t want to miss out first innings and to bat the rest of the day has put us on the front foot for sure.
“we have also scored at a good rate and all in all, a really good day. we were looking to be busy, be pro-active.
“brett came out with great intent and he is a whippet between the wickets and we ran really well and you’ve always got to put pressure on the opposition.”
