Plymouth trio named in Lions squad for 50-over tussle with Somerset | Haffenden (pictured), Guest and Whalley all get the nod

THREE of Plymouth’s rising stars have been named in Devon Lions’ 12-man squad for Sunday’s 50-over friendly against a Somerset Academy XI at Taunton Vale CC.

Batter Teddy Haffenden and seamer Ethan Guest, both of whom spent the UK winter playing Grade cricket in Australia, are joined in the 12 by spinner Matt Whalley.

Sam Stein, the Plymouth skipper, said it was ‘brilliant’ Devon had spotted the Mount Wise trip.

Stein added: “Hopefully they can put in some good performances for the Lions and put their names in the hat for the full Devon squad.”

The Lions programme – Devon’s development initiative – has been overhauled since the end of last season following the appointment of Tim Western as the county club’s performance director.

Although the Lions has been producing players for more than a decade, it needed updating on the player and coaching front.

“The role of the Devon Lions has been further enhanced over the last six months with a stronger player base and a linkage with the Devon Cricket Foundation,” said Western. 

“Playing against First-Class county academies allows players to show the Devon coaching team what they are capable of to us, as well as being a shop window for those with aspirations to play professionally.

“Fixtures like this provide the selection group with a valuable insight as to players' development and mindset.”

Western said Whalley, Haffenden and Guest are not the only Lions squad menbers who have been abroad since the end of the last UK season. He is curious to see what they have gained from the experience.

“Around half of the side have played overseas during our winter and it will be interesting to see how that experience has helped their own game and maturity,” said Western.

Western said Jack Ford, who led the side last season, continues in the role of captain.

“Jack impressed as a leader in 2024 and follows the likes of Matt Thompson, Jamie Stephens who had this important role in the past,’ said Western.

“Jack has a good tactical grasp of the game and is able to juggle the resources available to him very well.”

Three members of the 12 – Harry Passenger, Harry Southgate and Adam Small – have already made Championship or white-ball appearances for Devon. The rest, with the exception of Guest and Noah Musikanth, are Devon age-group graduates. 

Devon Lions (from): J A W Ford (Bideford), A J Small (Sandford), N Musikanth, H D Southgate (both Heathcoat), T J Haffenden, M G Whalley (both Plymouth), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), J E Triner, J C Gillett (both Bradninch & Kentisbeare), E J Guest (Plymouth) M R Jeacock (Sandford), J A J Presswell (Hatherleigh).