Western optimistic going into Twenty20 phase of season | 'We’ve shown recently in both white?ball formats and that we can compete with anyone'

DEVON’S white-ball fortunes are on the up according to performance director Tim Western.

Whether it is 50-over or the 20-over version of the white-ball game, Devon have been serial underachievers for a while.

A first appearance in the 50-over last eight since 2021 was denied Devon last Sunday when Wiltshire and Berkshire edged a three-way tie in the group on net run rate. 

Devon commence this season’s Dojo Twenty20 Cup programme at Instow tomorrow, where they face Wiltshire in a Group Four double header. They have not qualified for the knockout stages since 2018.

Western said Devon showed signs last season of a Twenty20 resurgence and have prepared in detail for another crack at short-form cricket.

And Western pinpointed the gripping Showcase Game against Somerset two weeks ago, which Devon only lost by two runs, as part of the preparation phase.

“The showcase game against Somerset was a great opportunity to finalise roles and final selections,” said Western.

“We will take a huge amount from the challenges we’ve already faced this season in the 50-over competition. 

“Although disappointed not to go through to the last eight in the country this year. We are close enough to know we’re on the right track, but not close enough for our liking. 

“We’ve shown recently in both white?ball formats and that we can compete with anyone.”

Nine of the 11 picked to face Wiltshire on Sunday featured in Devon T20 teams last season and have been on the development journey during winter training or pre-season warm-up games. 

Lawrence Walker, Devon’s Twenty20 captain, has stayed intrinsically involved in the campaign build-up, despite being sidelined with a broken thumb.

Western said the depth of the squad and the desire to be part of it have excited the team management

“We’ve got established performers, many who’ve come through the Devon pathway, and others who’ve forced their way in through strong league and Lions performances,” said Western. “There is a real sense of purpose amongst the squad.”

Clearly, Western has a game plan for Twenty20 cricket, but details are on need-to-know basis.

Said Western: “Twenty20 rewards clarity and captain Callum Harvey will ensure that players know their roles: how we want to start, how we want to control the middle overs, and how we want to finish games. 

“We know margins in Twenty20 are small, but we also know we’ve got the skill, the depth and the belief to win the key moments. If we play with intent and clarity, we’ll be a very hard side to beat.”