Jake Libby: Worcestershire opener signs new four-year Pears contract

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Jake Libby made a personal best 1,153 runs as the Pears won promotion in 2023, averaging 57.65, hitting five centuries and five fifties

Worcestershire red-ball vice-captain Jake Libby has signed a new four-year contract with the promoted Pears.

The 31-year-old opener, who is the Pears' One-Day Cup captain, has spent the last five seasons at New Road since arriving from Nottinghamshire in 2019.

Worcestershire chief executive Ashley Giles said: "Securing Jake for another four years is fantastic for the club.

"He will be a key figure in Division One. His consistency and leadership have been instrumental in our success."

Libby, who is now signed up until the end of the 2027 season, added: "There's no reason why we can't compete for, and win, trophies.

"That's what excites me the most. We've got a great squad. I'm excited about the challenges of next season and beyond." Since the Covid-shortened 2020 season, Libby has averaged more than 50, having made more first-class runs than any other player in the country - 3,414.

He follows the lead of county captain Brett D'Oliveira, who also last week signed a new contract to run until 2027, while former skipper Joe Leach, 33, is also now signed up until 2025.

As well as finishing runners-up to Division Two champions Durham, Worcestershire reached the last eight in both the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup last season.