Second chance for Devon to weigh-up options for season ahead | 'This game will show the depth we have in the county – and there are others to come into this group' – Tim Western

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON hope to have one more chance to weigh-up options for the season ahead during an in-house practice match at Exeter tomorrow – weather permitting!

Two days’ of heavy rain mean plenty of drying out work on the County Ground to get the game on. The start time has been changed to give the ground staff extra time to mop up. Devon officals hope to start the match by noon/

And getting the game on is crucial for Devon as they prepare for the National Counties Trophy group game opener against Buckinghamshire at Instow a week tomorrow (April 27).

Devon have not engaged a playing professional for the season ahead to replace Calum Haggett, who retired at the end of last season. The former Somerset and Kent all-rounder remains on board as part of a new-look coaching team.

Finding the right candidate – ideally a seam-bowling all-rounder committed to a long-term role over several seasons – was a stumbling block for the team management. Rather than make a hasty choice, Devon have taken a different route.

An enhanced working relationship with Somerset CCC should ensure dual-registered players such as Fin Hill and Seb Linnett (and others) are available from time to time.

Devon have also been running the rule over University of Exeter players, among them Middlesex youth graduate and keeper Dylan Rawal, registered with Sidmouth for the season ahead, and his Fortfield companion George Addy.

Callum Harvey, formerly part of the Somerset Academy, is among the players aiming to impress in the 50-over try out. 

Harvey, a batter who plays in the West of England Premier League for Midsomer Norton, is a former Millfield Schoolboy. He appeared for Devon in the four-wicket win over the University of Exeter last Sunday.

Noah Musikanth, a Blundell’s School scholar who turned out a handful of times for Heathcoat as a middle-order batter in 2024, has been given a chance to shine.

As 50-over cricket is the early season priority, Devon have included Cullompton’s white-ball specialist Brendon Parr in their plans for the first time.

Parr has been a huge success story for the England Physical Disability XI, for whom he has piled-up the runs for the past two seasons. He topped the batting averages (64.16) and aggregates (385) for the Pirates in last season’s inaugural ECB Disability Premier League competition, which his side won.

Three sons of former Devon players – off-spinner Harry Passenger, keeper Oli Gribble and spinner Will Christophers – are among the players under consideration. Their respective fathers are Ben, Mark and Jeremy.

Tim Western, Devon’s new director of cricket, said the 24 players named in the two squads is not a closed shop for the season ahead. He estimates there are around 40 players under consideration.

Said Western: “This game will show the depth we have in the county – and there are others to come into this group.

“As a selection team, we expect to have to make a number of difficult decisions to make this season and it is important wider squad members push for places and take opportunities as they present themselves.

“It is an opportunity for the wider squad to come together and play in a competitive atmosphere, while gaining valuable grass time.

“There some interesting match ups within the two teams. I hope the weather says away so we can get a competitive game under way.”

Devon Blues: J D Horler (Exmouth), D P Rawal (Sidmouth), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), L S Walker (Sidmouth), T W Mitch (Plymstock), N Musikanth, H D Southgate (Heathcoat), J L Farley (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), J A J Presswell (Hatherleigh), J M Nott (Exeter), G J Addy (Sidmouth).

Devon Yellows: J A W Ford (Bideford), O S Gribble (Exeter), S Suresh (Plymouth), S J Elstone (Sidmouth), B H Privett (Cornwood), M G Whalley, T J Haffenden (both Plymouth), J C Gillett (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), M B Shepherd (Cheltenham), W R Christophers (Bovey Tracey), M R Jeacock (Sandford), B M Parr (Cullompton).

Umpires: C T Sleep, S Walker.