Devon Cricket Board - Devon shake up early order for Wilts game

Devon shake up early order for Wilts game

DEVON’S batting order is set for another shake up for the game against Wiltshire starting at Exmouth tomorrow (11am).

There look like being two changes in the top five with James Toms returning to open and Matt Thompson pencilled in to bat at first wicket down.

And there is a good chance Rhys Davies will be shunted up the order – he’s been going in at seven or eight – having made a case for promotion in every game he has played.

Davies has scored 238 runs in six visits to the crease this season at an average of 59.5.

Only skipper Josh Bess has better stats – 408 at an average of 102 exactly – so it would make sense to get Davies in a bit earlier.

Devon’s problem has been not enough runs from the front five batters in the first innings this season, which has left them chasing games. They werte 83 for four against Cornwall and 52 for five in the drawn game with Herefordshire two weeks ago.

The top three has been different in every game so far, which hasn’t helped Devon’s cause.

Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket, said he hoped the latest new look would deliver the goods and having Thompson in early instead of seven or eight was a key element.

The switch means Thompson won’t be keeping wicket – Sandy Allen filled in for the Torquay stumper against Herefordshire when he was away – which Donohue believes only makes the side stronger.

“Availability has been a problem all season and we need the side to settle down,” said Donohue.

“James Toms couldn’t play in the last game, but as he got a hundred in the one before that he had to come back in.

“Matt couldn’t play in the last game either, but as arguably our most consistent batter for the past two seasons he had to play as well.

“That means no place for Callum Whittaker, who has had two games and now knows a bit more about what is required of him at this level, and we couldn’t get Seb Benton in either.

“The fact Seb got a ‘pair’ in the last game had nothing to do with it. He remains a Devon player of the future for many years to come. There was simply no room for him.

“Sandy kept very well against Herefordshire and brought something extra behind the stumps.

“It is not that Matt has done anything wrong, but we believe the side is stronger having Sandy keeping and Matt up the order.

“Matt had the talent and temperament for the job that needs doing and it makes sense to get him doing it.”

Davies has been instrumental in digging Devon out of the mire more than once this season and may be moved up a few places.

“He has done well but what we don’t want to do is stifle him this early in his Minor Counties career with too much expectation,” said Donohue.

“You can make the same case about Matt Golding. He is improving with every game into an outstanding all-round cricketer. Again, I am happy letting him develop where he is rather than heaping too much pressure on him.”

Devon v Wiltshire: R J Holman (Exeter), J A M Toms (Plymouth), M W Thompson (Torquay), D F Lye (Exmouth), J J Bess (Sidmouth), M C Golding (Bovey Tracey), A P W Allen (Exmouth), R W Davies (Tavistock), M A Orchard, T S Anning (both Exmouth), C Bradley (Bovey Tracey). 12th: M H Curtis (North Devon).

Wiltshire: J R Levitt, T P A Davies, H J Langford, J J Breet, N J Clark, A A Morrison, S F G Bullen, T B Bowler, T G Afridi, J P Roberts, J M King. 12th A J Miles.

Umpires: T F Boston & R C Hampshire.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773