Worcestershire CCC hero Daryl Mitchell admitted his match-winning century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge was “possibly my best ever”.
Mitchell hit 139 not out against a top class attack in challenging conditions to power Worcestershire to an eight wicket win.
It enabled him to complete 1,000 runs and only Kumar Sangakkara can match his six Championship hundreds in 2017.
The evergreen 33-year-old told BBC Hereford-Worcester’s Dave Bradley: “It’s certainly my best hundred of the summer, possibly my best ever in those tough circumstances.
“They have a really good attack, on a spicy wicket and given the state of the game as well, it’s certainly up there.
“It was a massive game for us so to get us over the line is very pleasing. It always means more when you win a game and are still there at the end.”
Mitchell resumed on 63 not out and reached the four figure landmark when he reached 83.
He said: “I knew I needed to get to 83 today. It’s a always a benchmark to reach 1,000 runs and to get there in 12 games I’m really pleased.
“With a couple of games left, I hope to pile a few more on yet.
“In terms of the six hundreds, it’s nice to be in good company because Kumar’s not a bad player! – but he got there in about 8 games.”
Mitchell admitted the intention was to be more positive when Worcestershire resumed on 123-2 this morning – needing another 103 for victory.
He said: “We had a good chat beforehand, this morning, and we felt that we’d earned the right to be a bit more positive, having done the hard work yesterday.
“Obviously, at the start the ball was 40 overs old, so the aim was get in and play some shots, because we were also aware there might be a bit of weather around later.”
Mitchell played tribute to Nottinghamshire keeper Chris Read who played his last match at Trent Bridge before hanging up his gloves after a marvellous career.
He said: “Obviously, it was a shame for Chris not being on the winning side in his last game here but he has been a fabulous servant.
“I’ve been around for a large part of his career and he has always been a tough competitor and is a wonderful cricketer, who is very well regarded on the circuit.
“It’s been a pleasure to play against him and also to play in his last game here.”
