Batsman Jake Libby says Nottinghamshire are pleased with their start to the Specsavers County Championship season - despite their disappointing defeat to Lancashire.

The Green and Golds were beaten by an innings and 67 runs in their second home game at Trent Bridge, just a week after an impressive victory over Hampshire.

But Libby insists that three wins from five in the first block of four-day fixtures before the Royal London One-Day Cup fixtures begin next week represents a decent return.

“We didn’t play our best cricket this week and we have got what we deserved in terms of the result,” he said.

“Ultimately, I think we are going to be in the top three in the table after this round of fixtures and I think we’d have taken that at the start of the season.

“Three wins from five is a positive start having got promoted last season, with a few people having written us off.

“It’s been disappointing in this game, but to be there or thereabouts overall means the boys are pretty chuffed with that.”

Libby top scored in both innings as Notts were bowled out for 133 and 138, with Lancashire scoring 338 thanks in the main to a century from opener Keaton Jennings.

He hit 34 and 46 following on from his first half century of the season against Hampshire.

“I feel I’m batting nicely out there in the middle, but I’d like to go on and make the starts into bigger runs.

“I do feel like a big scores is just around the corner. I have to keep working hard and then hopefully that will come.”

Libby felt Notts’ defeat was down to a mixture of his side being below par and Lancashire – led by experienced bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Graham Onions – playing very well.

The Red Rose County’s victory avenged the six-wicket defeat they suffered to Notts in the opening round of matches of the 2018 season.

“We have to hand it to Lancashire because they came here and played a lot of good cricket,” said Libby.

“They bowled very well first innings, but we are disappointed with how we played this game both with bat and ball.

“But we have to take it on the chin and look forwards now.”

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