Jake Libby continued his impressive run at the start of the season for Worcestershire in the second day of the Vitality County Championship fixture with Somerset at Kidderminster. The day was shortened by rain.
Despite the limited number of overs possible (29 in total, all during the afternoon session), Libby achieved a significant milestone, reaching the fifty mark for the fourth time in six innings this summer, including a century in the opening game against Warwickshire.
Libby has been dubbed "Worcestershire's Mr. Reliable" by Head Coach Alan Richardson and has been a highly productive player since his move from Nottinghamshire to New Road four years ago.
Libby enjoyed his most successful summer in 2023, amassing 1153 runs at an average of 57.65. He has continued in the same vein since helping Worcestershire to promotion.
He was fortunate to be dropped on four at third slip by Migael Pretorius at 2:50 pm, which allowed him to begin play.
Libby also had to contend with an impressive spell from Ball, but otherwise he and Roderick flourished during a second wicket stand, which yielded 84 runs from 148 balls.
Roderick, his regular opening partner, remained at his position until the conclusion of play due to the adverse weather conditions, including poor visibility and light drizzle.
Due to poor light and morning rain, lunch was taken at 12:30 pm, with play finally commencing at 2:50 pm, with a possible 54 overs remaining in the day.
Worcestershire resumed play on 14 for nought, with nightwatchman Adam Finch and Libby having survived five overs yesterday evening.
Finch demonstrated resilience for 35 balls, executing a precise straight four against Pretorious. He was ultimately dismissed by Ball.
It took him 44 balls to register his first boundary as he and Roderick tackled some probing bowling with a still newish ball.
The second wicket pair began to gain ground, and the 50 partnership was achieved in 88 balls.
Ball was able to maintain a high level of resistance, conceding less than a run per over, while the other end of the pitch was consistently productive.
Libby successfully drove a rare loose ball from Ball for his ninth four, thereby completing an 88-ball half-century.
The 100 was reached in the 31st over, and Roderick demonstrated his aggressive intent by slashing Pretorious to third man.
Worcestershire reached 107 for one by tea, with Libby unbeaten on 56 and Roderick 28 not out. The players did not return due to the deteriorating weather conditions.