Matt Thompson, who is back in Devon's 50-over side after postponing his decision to retire<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe - no re-use without copyright owner's consent

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REORTING

DEVON and Cornwall renew cross-Tamar hostilities tomorrow (Sunday) in a 50-over warm-up game at Plympton CC (11am).

For both of counties it is a chance to finesse their selections before the serious stuff starts on April 26 with the opening round of pool games in the NV-Play Trophy. Devon are at home to Herefordshire at Bovey Tracey while Cornwall travel to Wimborne to face Dorset. Sidelined: Kazi Szymanski

Devon already have a few ideas following their 19-run defeat by Exeter University in a high-scoring encounter at Topsham first time out. Expect hard-hitting batter Dan Pyle to return  after a seven-year absence.

Devon make four changes to the side that so nearly chased 382 to win against the University.

Former captain Matt Thompson is back behind the stumps having changed his mind over the winter about retiring from National Counties cricket. Gallman-Findlay makes way.

Spin bowling all-rounder Sam Read comes in for Pyle and Matt Jeacock takes the third seamer slot shared by Charlie Ward and George Greenway in the 12 who fielded last time out.

Side strain

Kazi Szymanski, who took the new ball against the University, has dropped out of the selected side due to a side strain. Noah Musikanth, originally 12th man, steps into the team.

Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, said learning gains from the University defeat were mainly in the field.

“Sunday’s key focus is ensuring our bowlers are absolutely clear on their plans—and then delivering those plans under pressure,” said Western. “The fielding standard needs to be a notch up from last Sunday.”

Included: Noah MusikanthAs Cornwall have yet to play a game, this is the only opportunity for captain Paul Smith to have a look at contenders in a match environment.

Professionals Will MacVicar and Alex Blake are not available until May so miss the game. Spin-bowling all-rounder Max Tryfonos is also unavailable.

In come seamers Dan Barnard and Ryan Tonkin for a chance to show what they can do at the next level up from Premier Division cricket with Werrington and Helston respectively.

Skipper Smith sees the chance to look at Barnard and Tonkin as a bonus.

“We have a few senior players out for various reasons so this has created an opportunity for people to come in and stake their claims for the season ahead,” said Smith.

“With a nice mix of youth and experience, it will be great to see how everyone gels.”

Devon: B H Privett (Midsomer Norton), M G Whalley (Callington), J D Horler (Exmouth), S J Linnitt (Exeter), M W Thompson (Callington), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), S O Read (Exeter), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), C D Penberthy (Bridestowe & Belstone), M R Jeacock (Sandford), N Musikanth (Exmouth).

Cornwall: P A Smith (Werrington), D Barnard (Werrington), R Tonkin (Helston), A W Bone (St Austell), L Curnow (St Just), B A Ellis (Callington), S P Kellow (Camborne), K Leathley (Helston), A MacDonald (Camborne), T Orpe (Grampound Road), W J J Rowe (Callington), E A F Whiteford (Redruth).

Umpires: K Jacobs & S P Day.