Devon make three changes for Counties Trophy trip to Oxfordshire | 'To lose both Sebs (Linnitt and Allison) was a shame, but it gives Josh Nott an opportunity – and it is good to have Sam Elstone (pictured) in after a strong end to last year' - James Horl

DEVON have been forced to make three changes to a winning line-up for the National Counties Trophy tussle with Oxfordshire at Abingdon on Monday, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Opening batter Seb Linnitt, all-rounder Fin Hill and seamer Seb Allison, all of whom played in the group-stage win over Buckinghamshire are out due to other commitments, either cricketing ones with county second elevens, or educational.

In come white-ball debutants Josh Nott and Sam Elstone together with Ed Middleton, who is dual registered with Devon and Gloucestershire. 

Nott is an 18-year-old left-arm seamer currently in the sixth form at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.

Elstone debuted in Devon’s three-day side last season and took a ton off Oxfordshire at Banbury in the last game of the season. With more than 900 league runs to his name last season, it was only a question of time before Elstone was called up.

Middleton, who bats and bowls legs-spin went through the Devon youth ranks before Gloucestershire talent-spotted him in 2022. 

James Horler, the Devon captain, said getting the side right had been a juggling act. “Selection, as usual, has been a difficult process,” he said.

“May is always a hard month due to exams at schools and universities. Playing on a Monday made it even trickier as some of our players might have games for county second elevens.

“To lose both Sebs (Linnitt and Allison) was a shame, but it gives Josh Nott an opportunity – and it is good to have Sam Elstone in after a strong end to last year.

“Ed Middleton being keen to play gives us more options on the spin front. And with Fin Hill missing he strengthens our middle order.”

Middleton has been playing second-team cricket for Gloucestershire this season. His last three trips to the middle have produced knocks of 87, 67 and 42. 

Although Devon won comfortably in the end against Buckinghamshire, they chased 135 to win with more than 10 overs to spare, Horler is determined to avoid over-confidence setting in.

“Consistency is key for us,” said Horler. “We have had highlights across various games and formats; it's just about tying them together across all the disciplines. 

“The key for us to be clinical when we're on top, and not to let winning positions get away from us.”

Oxfordshire welcome back Tristan Rossouw, who has recovered from a hand injury sustained in pre-season.

Devon: J D Horler (Exmouth), S J Elstone (Sidmouth), B H Privett (Cornwood), E W O Middleton (Gloucestershire), M W. Thompson (Congresbury), L S Walker (Sandford), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), S O Read (Exeter), J A Stephens (Valley End), J M Nott (Exeter), J P Heywood (Bath). 12^th H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell).

Oxfordshire: T E Davis. D A Driscoll, L B Hayes, A Ramkumar, T F Rex, H K Rossouw, T O Rossouw, F E H Smith, G G Tait. J E Townsend, H D Ward, H R Welch.