SAM Read’s performances for Devon over a span of more than 50 games have earned him his county cap.

Devon, unlike some rival National Counties, award caps for achievement, not on debut.

All-rounder Read made his three-day debut for Devon in 2021 and first appeared in white-cricket the following season.

In his Devon career so far Read has appeared in 53 games across all three formats – three-day, one-day, Twenty20 – scored more than 1,200 runs and taken 75 wickets.

When Devon beat Cornwall at Cornwood earlier this month, Read made his maiden Devon century and took five wickets in the match. It was that performance that brought him his cap.

Guy Curry, the Devon chairman, presented Read with his county cap and Lion-embroidered blazer prior to the drawn game against Herefordshire earlier this week.

No one was more pleased to see Read capped than county captain James Horler, who has been a friend and team-mate since the pair was 11-year-olds at Exeter School.

“Sam’s hard work throughout the last few years has come through in his performances and he thoroughly deserved his county cap,” said Horler.

“Sam was Devon’s leading wicket taker last season and fourth overall in Championship games.

“There have been some game-changing knocks with the bat – 66 off 29 white balls against Bedfordshire in 2022 – and including countless wickets, also with the white ball.

“And to top it off, a match-winning hundred against Cornwall that showcased Sam’s maturity and class. 

“Sam is a great character and personality in the side and always a key member of the county club.”

Read, who was 23 earlier this season said he was honoured to have won his county cap. He added: “It's a privilege to represent this team and it's something I hope to do for many years to come.”

Read made his three-day debut for Devon against Herefordshire at Brockhampton in 2022. 

Although Devon lost, there was a hint of things to come with scores of 29 and 32 and a four-wicket haul with the ball.

Read’s best bowling return since making his debut was six for 27 – and eight for 82 in the match – against Oxfordshire at Banbury in 2024.

The 66 made in a rush against Bedfordshire is Read’s batting personal best in the 50-over game. Three for 24 against Cornwall this season is his top bowling return.

Forty-one against Herefordshire in 2022, and two for nine in the match with Wiltshire this season, are the comparable stats for Twenty20 cricket.

Read started his cricket journey with Clyst St George, where he was talent spotted by the Devon youth network. He went through the age-groups from under-10 to under-17 and then the Development XI. His cricket education continued with the Devon Dumplings – for whom he scored a 61-ball century against South Oxfordshire Amateurs when aged 17 – the Devon Lions and the Cardiff University Centre of Cricketing Excellence.

Since 2020 Read has played Premier and A Division cricket for Exeter.