DEVON take on Somerset at Exmouth tomorrow tonight (Monday, 5pm) in what has become an annual Twenty20 match.

Billed as a ‘Showcase Game’ by the ECB, the idea is to give recreational players from National Counties like Devon and Cornwall chance to test themselves against the professionals.

How many professionals will actually be on show depends on the requirements of Somerset’s County Championship game against Glamorgan – and their injury list.

Whatever Somerset send down will be a challenge for Devon, who have not won any of the previous four encounters.

Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, sees plenty of benefits for his squad from the fixture.

“Games like this are hugely valuable, not just in terms of exposure and a chance to showcase the talent we have in the squad, but also helping in us sharpen up ahead of the T20 Trophy starting at Instow later this month,” said Western.

“Lawrence Walker, our Twenty20 captain, is still recovering from his fractured thumb and therefore Callum Harvey will lead the side. Callum will have lots of resources at his disposal with a large number of all-rounders in the side. 

“Lawrence has had a big part in selection of this team and is keen that we bat positively, are aggressive in the field and bowlers stick to clear plans.

“This game is also an opportunity to play James Matravers, who is Devon born and is currently part of the Gloucestershire Academy system.

“James is a hard-hitting, middle order batsman who bowls useful medium-fast seamers. He is keen to play for Devon this summer and Gloucestershire CCC have been very supportive.”

The Matravers family are heavily associated with Honiton CC, where James started out in the colts before moving to a school in Taunton. He is a former Bunbury Festival player who was in the same South West team as Devon due James Theedom and Seb Linnitt.

Opening batsman Dan Pyle is rested ahead of Devon’s 50-over game against Hertfordshire as Sidmouth this  Sunday. He is nursing a hamstring niggle picked up in the win against Berkshire. 

“Gabe Gallmann-Findlay, who came in as a late replacement for Dan against Wiltshire, is likely to be in the top order and takes the gloves.”

Devon: C F Harvey, H J Passenger, L W Medlock, G R E Gallman-Findlay, J R Matravers, S O Read, S J Linnitt, M G Whalley, B H Privett, C D Penberthy, C W B Ward. 12th man: J M Knott.