Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson has praised batsman Jake Libby after his stellar start to the season.

Richardson has said that the Pears opener "continues to evolve as a cricketer" ahead of a clash against Somerset in the Vitality County Championship match at Kidderminster.

Libby's commendable form throughout the season has been clear to see, scoring a century and two 50s in his five innings of the season thus far.

<hr>

Read more: Worcestershire crushed by Durham despite record partnership

<hr>

The respect from his peers is apparent, with the animated reactions of opposition players when they claim his scalp a clear indication of the value assigned to Libby's wicket.

Richardson said: "Jake just continues to evolve as a cricketer.

"I watch him and how he goes about his stuff, and he knows his game really well now.

“He knows where his scoring shots are, he knows how to defend the stumps really well, and he does that consistently for us."

He added: “It feels at the moment he is always giving himself a chance to score some runs which is what we ask of all the batters and what they are always searching for.”

All-rounder Matthew Waite will also be hoping to keep his foot on the gas, having scored his first 50 of the season against Durham as he formed a century partnership with Nathan Smith; a club record for the seventh wicket.

On Waite, Richardson commented: "He has also played really well in the first innings at Edgbaston when we were put under a little bit of pressure and he produced a counter-attacking innings.

“We know what he can do.

"He is a really useful player for us in all facets.

“Any batter wants to spend time at the crease and, for Matthew to spend a couple of hours there, and play as well as he has done, is always good going forward."