Devon draft in short-form specialists Parr and Morison (pictured) for Showcase T20 clash with Somerset | 'This fixture gives our players the exposure and a rare opportunity to compete against professional cricketers' - Tim Western

DEVON square-up to Somerset at Exmouth CC on Thursday (5.30pm) in a Twenty-20 Showcase Game.

Showcase Games, an ECB initiative now in its fourth year, are warm-up opportunities for both counties ahead of looming T20 competitions for the professional and recreational games alike.

Previously, Showcase Games were 50-over affairs later in the season. The format has been changed to reflect changes in the competition calendar.

Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, hopes the change will allow his charges to ‘showcase’ their talents.

“This format will be fast-paced and is particularly suited for such showcase events,” said Western.

“This fixture gives our players the exposure and a rare opportunity to compete against professional cricketers. It will help them understand the intensity, skill level, and strategic thinking required at the next level.

“Facing professional bowlers and batters will further push our players to refine their techniques and adapt to high-pressure situations.

“We have picked a skilful team who are suited to this format. These matches provide a confidence boost to the individuals and wider squad, showing they can compete at a higher level.

“We are looking forward to some thrilling cricket and unpredictable match-ups.”

It is a sign of changing attitudes in the Devon management since Western was installed last autumn that a horses-for-courses approach can be seen in the selections for the game.

Exmouth batsman Louis Morison, a former footballer on Exeter City’s books, has acquired a reputation for getting on with it in Devon League cricket. He is called into a county squad for the first time.

“Louis will make his Devon senior debut and we are hoping to see more of the exciting batting that he shows in the league,” said Western.

Another short-form specialist is Cullompton’s Brendon Parr, whose big-hitting feats for club and the England Physical Disability XI have earned the respect of bowlers from Abbotskerswell to Australia.

Parr qualifies for the PD team as the result of a road accident in 2008 that left him in hospital for more than a month recovering from a broken leg, two broken wrists, several broken vertebrae, a broken and dislocated elbow AND a pneumothorax that developed while he was being operated on.

All 13 players in the Devon squad will feature in the match, but only 11 will be in the batting order,

Devon (squad): L Morison (Exmouth), A J Small, L S Walker (both Sandford), B M Parr (Cullompton), S O Read (Exeter), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), J M Triner (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), J M Theedom (Sandford), S J Allison (University of Exeter), G J Addy, J M Nott (both Exeter), M R Jeacock (Sandford).