Devon Cricket Board - Wood poised for Devon return

Wood poised for Devon return

DEVON still have selection issues to sort out for their MCCA Trophy opener against Hertforfdshire this Sunday despite ending their warm-up campaign with a four-wicket win over Cardiff MCCU at Tiverton.
Bowling problems are at the heart of Devon’s dilemmas as they haven’t really found replacements for Neil Hancock, Scott Barlow and Ian Bishop, none of whom are around this season.
Devon were hoping to get Budleigh Salterton’s James Burke bowling again after a successful winter playing in South Africa.
All-rounder Burke has been plagued by back problems and only bowled three overs in the cup last season.
There is nothing wrong with Burke’s batting – he made a solid 22 as Devon chased 258 to win with five overs to spare – but his bowling went untested against the students.
Somerset have re-registered Burke for the season and only released him back to Devon on the understanding he didn’t bowl if less than fully fit.
If Burke can’t bowl in the game against Hertfordshire, Devon need someone who can.
On the evidence of Sunday’s display against the students, the selectors may turn to Bovey Tracey’s Ryan Bougourd.
Bougourd only came into the reckoning when Sidmouth’s Will Gater pulled out with a shoulder injury.
Figures of two for 39 from eight overs may lead to Bougourd making his debut in the trophy.
“ If Somerset say Burkie can’t bowl we have to abide by their wishes if we want him to play as a batsman,” said Devon captain Chris Bradley.
“Ryan did what he does in the Devon League for Bovey, which is move it around a bit, keep the runs down and get some good batsmen out.
“He doesn’t worry if he gets hit for a boundary either, but comes back with a response.
“As the man in the shirt, he is bound to figure in our plans for the Hertfordshire game.”
Devon's 13-man squad against Hertfordshire is expected to contain former Exmouth opener Matt Wood, who is available for Minor Counties duty again after leaving the staff at Notts to set up a coaching clinic.
Devon v Hertfordshire (probable): C Bradley (Bovey T), M W Thompson (Torquay), R J Woodman (Taunton), R J Holman (Exeter), J E Burke (Budleigh), D F Lye (Exmouth), J J Bess (Sidmouth), M J Wood (Plymtree), P J Randerson (Sidmouth), G R Chappell (Bradninch), T S Anning (Exmouth), C A J Morris (Budleigh), R Bougourd (Bovey T).

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