BATSMAN Alex Barrow has declared himself fit to play for Devon in tomorrow’s all-important Unicorns Trophy game against Oxordshire at Sidmouth (11am).
Victory will send Devon into next Sunday’s final group game against Cornwall at Werrington with a fighting chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Another defeat – Devon lost to group leaders Berkshire last time out – will almost certainly mean it is the end of the line.
Barrow hasn’t played for more than a fortnight since twisting an ankle playing in a 2nd XI game for Gloucestershire. The former Somerset staffer has been having try outs with counties after leaving the Taunton roster at the end of last season.
As Barrow scored a half-century the last time he played for Devon, which was in the win over Dorset at Instow, the team management are keen for him to play.
“Alex is a quality player and one we want in the side,” said director of cricket Keith Donohue.
“He has not played since he sustained the injury, but has been practising and feels fine.”
Barrow, released by Somerset last season, was trialling with Gloucestershire 2nd XI against Glamorgan when he twisted an ankle while fielding.
Donohue said Devon have to get into the game early to give themselves the best chance of a result.
“You don’t get much time to get on the front foot in this type of cricket and if we want to win we need to be competitive from the word go.
“It is hard to qualify with less than three wins so we know what we have to do on Sunday,”
Tom Lammonby, the Exeter all-rounder dual-registered with Somerset this season, has already withdrawn from the provisional 14-man squad to concentrate on his A-level studies.
With Barrow fit to play there was no need to retain left-hander Dan Pyle, who has been released from the squad.
Missing the team beaten by Berksihre are keeper-batter Matt Thompson and middle-order batsman Jack Dart. Rob Woodman is added to the squad and will bat up the order.
Devon (from): J J Bess (Sidmouth), R J Woodman (Taunton Deane), L J Lewis (Sidmouth), A W B Barrow (Exeter), F R Trenouth (Millfield), M C Golding (Bovey Tracey), B G F Green, T A Lammonby, D M Bess (all Exeter), S Barlow (Sidmouth), H M Whitlock (Bovey Tracey), D J Goodey (Plymouth), J A Stephens (Falmouth).
Oxfordshire: ï€ L M Sabin (Banbury), H G K Smith (Great & Little Tew), T P W Condon (Aston Rowant), J L N Garrett (Great & Little Tew), J A Cater (capt/wk) (Buckingham Town), R I Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), J C R West (Banbury), L C Ryan (Spencer), L M Bethell (Aston Rowant), J O G Thomas (Great & Little Tew), O T M Wright (Banbury). 12th: P P White
Umpires: A J Forward & A J Wheeler.
