TORQUAY’S Joe Thompson comes into Devon’s T20 side for Sunday’s triangular tournament against Cornwall and Somerset 2nd XI at Truro for the Treleavens Trophy.
Thompson’s match-winning knock in last season’s Devon T20 final against Bradninch enhanced his reputation in short-overs cricket.
Quick runs against Hampshire 2nd XI in a pre-season friendly at the Ageas Bowl were a reminder to the Devon selectors what the 28-year-old all-rounder could do.
It will be a red-letter day in the cricket-mad Thompson household as Matt – Joe’s younger brother – is captain. It will be the first time the two brothers have played in the same county side.
“Joe is the sort of player who can take the game away from you quickly in T20 cricket – especially with the bat,” said Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket.
“We have had Joe in our minds for 50-over cricket all season but couldn’t find a place for him.
“I am looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Donohue is also interested in Paignton seamer George Yates, another player who has impressed him in league cricket.
“I have watched him a number of times and liked what I have seen,” said Donohue.
“It is a big step up from league cricket to playing the likes of Cornwall and Somerset 2nd XI and it will be interesting to see how he handles it.”
Devon’s 13-man squad contains two Paignton pace bowlers as George Benton and Hugo Whitlock are also making the trip to Boscawen Park.
Devon are on first against Cornwall at 10.30am. They stay on for a 1.45pm start against Somerset. Cornwall and Somerset meet in the last match at 5pm.
Tickets are £10 on the gate , or £5 in advance if purchased online by noon on Friday via the Cornwall cricket website - click here
Devon: M W Thompson (St Fagans), J E Burke (Guildford) L J Lewis (Sidmouth), T A Lammonby (Exeter), M C Golding (Bovey Tracey), Z G G Bess (Sidmouth), J E Thompson (Torquay), J V King (North Devon), J A Stephens (Falmouth), G Yates, G Benton (both Paignton), H M Whitlock, T R J Codd (both Bovey Tracey).
