Cullompton duo Parr and Bharadwaj (pictured) in Devon Lions squad for first time | Somerset showcase game at forefront of management's minds

Akshay Bharadwaj, who will be spinning away for Devon Lions against the Cornish Choughs

DEVON will have an extended look at their Twenty-20 options in tomorrow’s (Sunday) double-header against the Cornish Choughs at Plympton (11am), writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Two totally new faces in the squad for the first time are Cullompton duo Brendon Parr and Akshay Bharadwaj. 

Parr’s big-heating feats are well known in Devon League circles, as well as for the England Physical Disability XI. Serious injuries sustained in a car accident a decade ago qualify Parr for the PD XI.

Leg-spin-bowler Bharadwaj arrived at Cullompton last season and his 41 wickets helped speed Cully to a double of promotion from the Tolchards DCL B Division and victory in the Corinthian Cup final. Bharadwaj, a graduate of the University of Exeter, played WEPL Premier One cricket for Taunton St Andrews and had a brief stint in the DCL with the old Kingskerswell & Chelston club.

Bangalore-borm Bharadwaj takes his cricket seriously and has been coached by Somerset's retired white-ball specialist Max Waller.

Plymouth’ Surya Suresh, a top-order batter who bowls as well, is another newcomer. Bowlers Matt Whalley and Ethan Guest complete a Plymouth trio. There is also a place in the 12 for Cornwood batter Ben Beaumont, who cannot find a spot in the senior side at the moment.

Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, said the purpose of team selection is: “To have a further look at players, who are particularly suited to this shorter format. We will be encouraging them to express themselves with bat, ball and in the field.”

Western added: “We will be picking the team for Thursday's Showcase Twenty-20 game against Somerset CCC after the match and so will take into account players' performances at Plympton.”

Devon Lions: J A W Ford (Bideford), H D Southgate (Heathcoat), B A Beaumont (Cornwood), B M Parr (Cullompton), M G Whalley, S Suresh (both Plymouth), J M Trinner (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), E J Guest (Plymouth), A Bharadwaj (Cullompton), G J Addy (Exeter), J A J Presswell (Hatherleigh), A J Small (Sandford). 

Cornish Choughs: P M Kent, F Wilkinson, H Phillips, B Taylor, J Moon, G Rickard, B Evans, E May, T Phillips, B Sleeman, R Tonkin, J Cockings.