Jake Libby’s return to the Nottinghamshire first team ranks went well individually, on a tough day for the side against Somerset at Taunton.

The 26-year old, whose only previous championship match this summer had been in the away fixture against Hampshire, made 77 before spin twins Dom Bess and Jack Leach took charge as they shared the last eight wickets to fall.

 “Obviously we are really disappointed with how we finished off for the day,” said Libby. “Going into tea we were in a good position but two soft dismissals, myself and Mull, cost us.

 The momentum was with us and first innings runs are vital. We would have liked a lead but now we’re on the back foot.”

Libby took three fours in a row off Jamie Overton early on and said there was definitely a hint of west country rivalry in the clash.

 “It was a bit of a Devon and Cornwall rivalry but we’d got off to a good start. The new ball offered a bit but we could score off it.

As the day went on it got harder and harder to bat on as it dried out and it turned more off the straight.

“We’d have liked to finish better but that’s where we are.” Libby was at the other end to see the sickening blow that forced Chris Nash to retire on 50.

“You could tell straight away it had hit him hard. It was a good one. I’ve spoken to him since and he’s being assessed – but he’s a tough old cookie.”

Dom Bess took five wickets and Jack Leach three, as Notts slid from 201 for two to 241 all out.

“You know coming here it always offers a bit to those two but we know they are very good bowlers. Once they grew into the game they got more confidence, bowled well and were all over us.”

Notts snared the wicket of nightwatchman Tim Groenewald late on, leaving the home side on 7-1 at stumps on day two, an overall lead of 92.

“We’ve talked, we know an 80-odd first innings deficit is not ideal and we don’t want to be chasing too many, so we’re going to have to play really well for the rest of the game to get a result.”

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A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with adult tickets priced at £10. Secure your seats…