Jake Libby is aiming to cash-in on his good form, as Nottinghamshire face Middlesex in their final home game of the Specsavers County Championship season.
Libby heads into tomorrow’s must-win clash against the Division One leaders on the back of a career-best 144 in the drawn match against Durham, as Nottinghamshire left the North East with 11 points.
A final day washout halted any possible victory push for either side, but Libby says both he and the side can take confidence from the contest.
“I’ve had a few starts recently and the key for me was that when I got a start, I had to try and make it count," said Libby.
"It was very pleasing to get 144 with the game situation as it was.
"In the context of the match, where we find ourselves at the minute and the fact that it was a difficult pitch to bat on against a good bowling attack, that is definitely my finest century.
“Michael Lumb (82) batted really well and he was a good foil for me. It turned into a fight because at the time it was really tough conditions. We got through it and built a good partnership.
“We put ourselves in a good position and it was frustrating how it ended. We could say the weather let us down a bit in that game, but ultimately we are where we are because of our performances."
The Nottinghamshire bowling attack is strengthened for the visit of Middlesex by the return of Jake Ball, who makes his comeback after being part of the England squad for the 4-1 Royal London One-Day International series victory over Pakistan.
The 25-year-old is likely to feature alongside fellow paceman Harry Gurney, who marked his own return to the side with career-best figures of 6-61 in the first innings at Chester-Le-Street. Libby is backing the England international duo to provide the Nottinghamshire attack with pace and cutting-edge.
“Gurney was absolutely tremendous, as at lunch we were in a really poor position and he turned the match on it's head with that spell," said Libby
“As for Jake, I just faced him in the nets and he’s an absolute nightmare. He’s a star talent and having anyone like that in your side is brilliant. If we have those two fit and firing, it will definitely help us out.
“They (Middlesex) will be gunning to finish top of the league and they’ve been in good form all season. They’ve got a well balanced side; a very good seam attack complemented by their spinner.
“They will be a good all round side, as you’re not top of the league without playing well with some top players.
“It will be a tough one tomorrow no doubt and hopefully whatever pitch we get we can make the most of it. We owe our supporters a good final performance.”
Nottinghamshire squad to face Middlesex (from): Jake Ball, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Ben Kitt, Jake Libby, Michael Lumb, Tom Moores, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Imran Tahir, Brendan Taylor and Luke Wood.
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