Having amassed plenty of runs and wickets over the winter period, in both Australia and Barbados, Jake Libby was pleased to translate that form back to Trent Bridge on day one of the pre-season friendly against Leicestershire.
The Nottinghamshire opener, who scored 621 runs at 41.4 and took 34 wickets at 11.9 for Latrobe Cricket Club in Tasmania, contributed 46 not out to a 116-run opening stand with Club Captain Chris Read.
And with just four days of cricket remaining before the Specsavers County Championship opener against Surrey, Libby believes all the players have garnered crucial practice from the action so far.
“I had a good winter in Australia and then translated that into Barbados, but bring it back to Trent Bridge, still very early in the year, and to score runs is a good feeling,” said Libby.
“We have had a good bit of weather, although it is still quite chilly, and all the lads have had a pretty good workout.
“It was great to get back to Trent Bridge, where you get good value for your shots, and scoring runs on the wickets that will be played on throughout the season.
“This game is a bit of further preparation for everyone and then the real stuff starts next week against Cambridge and heading in to the Surrey match.”
Libby’s performances for Nottinghamshire have centred mainly around his batting, but if his winter exploits in Australia are anything to go by, the 23-year-old could soon be used in a more all-round capacity.
“I have worked hard on my bowling and used it for a couple of years in Australia but it is still a work in progress,” he said.
“It is good to have another string to my bow so hopefully we will see a bit more of it, but obviously there are a lot of good bowlers at the Club and early season I won’t be getting much turn.”
The 2015 season saw dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.