JOSH Davey will be playing Premier Division cricket for North Devon this summer when his Somerset and Scotland commitments allow.

Davey, who will be 28 during the season, has been on the First Class circuit since 2010 when he made his debut for Middlesex.

An early order batsman and brisk medium-pace bowler, Davey played in the 2015 World Cup for Scotland.

He first appeared for Somerset at the end of the 2013 season as a trialist and was back at Taunton the following season on a summer contract, which later became a permanent deal. He signed a new two-year contract at the end of last season. 

Davey’s has played first-team cricket in all three disciplines for Somerset without becoming a regular yet. There is stiff compeition for seam-bowling all-rounders from the Overton twins, Lewis Gregory and Tim Groenewald. 

When Somerset didn’t need him last season, Davey turned out in the West of England Premier Division for Clevedon. He played four times in the league, making just 48 runs.

Matt Westaway, the North Devon captain, said Davey is a good friend of his Somerset team-mate Jamie Overton, who recommended him to the club.

He added: “Josh is a quality player and when someone like that comes along you don’t let them get away.

“How much Josh will actually play I can’t say as Somerset and Scotland are going to come first.

“The way I look at it any games he plays will be a bonus.”

As both Overton twins turn out from time to time for the home club, it is possible teams facing North Devon this season could play against three contracted professionals and an overseas player.

Westaway said he thought the chances of that happening were ‘slim’ as it is unlikely all three would be available at the same time.

“With Craig now part of the England squad as well as his Somerset commitments, I can’t see him playing much for us this year,” said Westaway.

“I dare say there are those who think we are loading the side up, but let’s remember this is Premier cricket, which is the best you can get in the amateur game.

“In my experience, good players want to test themselves against the best.

“Having Jamie and Craig playing in the past has not been a guarantee of a win.

“Craig played against Exmouth in our first game last season – and we lost that one.

“Jamie and Craig aren’t released to us for league games to bowl, They are released to bat and may bowl a few overs.”