Four changes to Devon squad for Twenty20 double-header against Dorset | Theedom (pictured) set for debut on home ground

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

DEVON have made four changes to their match-day squad for the Twenty20 double-header against Dorset and Sandford tomorrow (11am).

Gone from the bare XI that won once and lost once against Wiltshire at Salisbury last time out are Fin Hill and Ethan Guest.

In come fit-again opener Sam Elstone (shoulder), batter Seb Linnitt, all-rounder James Theedom, who will be making his competitive debut for Devon, and spinner George Addy, whose return boosts the squad up to 13.

Devon’s partnership arrangement with Somerset means the availability of dual-registered players such as Linnitt and Theedom cannot be guaranteed from one week to the next.

Theedom's inclusion will be popular with Sandford supporters as he is a third generation player with the club, after grandad Chris and father Matthew, never mind uncles Ian and Andrew.

Multiple changes are a common theme for Devon at the moment, something the county is learning to live with.

“With exams and the First-Class counties’ calendar, it is a challenging time of the year for selecting any cricket team, which is compounded by injuries now we are six or seven weeks into the season,” said Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director.

“Despite some unavailability, we have a strong core developing and each game at this level is providing valuable experience for the future. We are pleased with the depth of the squad that we can pick from.

“In the white ball format this year we have been coming across teams who are three-to-five years ahead of us.”

Dorset also make four changes with experienced batter Ed Ellis set for his first appearance of the season.

The top three teams in each of the four qualifying groups will progress to the Super12s play-off round on August 3. With one win from four games so far, and two points from eight available, Devon have plenty to do if they are going through.

Devon have four games left – two against Dorset, two more against Herefordshire at Eastnor a week tomorrow – to clamber into the top three. 

Two points for a win means the table can change quickly, but the arithmetic of Devon’s position could rule them out of qualifying unless they win at least one of tomorrow’s fixtures.

Any other outcome will leave Devon relying on wins over Herefordshire AND favourable results elsewhere in games involving Cornwall and Wiltshire.

It does not help Devon’s cause that Dorset, the first county they have to get past on the way to the top three, have two games in hand.

In the event of two or more teams finishing level on match points, net run-rate will determine their qualification order. Currently, Devon (-0.76) have the worst NRR in their pool.

Devon Lions (squad): L S Walker S J Elstone, B H Privett, S J Linnitt, A J Small, J E Triner, C F Harvey, S O Read, H J Passenger, T Hodgson, J M Theedom, G J Addy, M G Whalley

Dorset (squad): W G Tripcony, F D Gordon, D T P Church, M M Abbas, L A Webb, E J Ellis, B Rogers, E M Baker, C M Smith, J Carson, H P Dunlop.

Umpires: S E Lavis, G I Callway