Published: Apr 07, 2016, 06:26 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 07, 2016, 06:45 PM (IST)
DEVON will be appointing former Somerset seam bowler Alfonso Thomas as their new Professional as soon as they get him registered. Alfonso was relieved of his duties by Somerset at the end of last season. He has already agreed to play for Exeter in Devon League Premier Division this season. The player has also played for Pune Warriors in IPL. His origin is from Cape Town and is married to an English citizen wife. Somerset were able to get him registered without any fuss but Minor Counties Cricket Association have stricter norms than them. A few instances from the past forced them to make a few alterations in the regulations. These rules were enforced to stop International Test Players like Sadiq Mohammad, Iqbal Qasim and Mudassar Nazar for Cornwall. Hardik Pandya: All you need to know about limited-overs’ specialist
They have made a few exceptions over the years. For instance, Devon’s ex captain Neil Hancock who was born in New South Wales and later ended up in the country. Though, the clouds haven’t yet cleared about his registration but he is been selected in the team to play Somerset’s second XI at Sidmouth. Neil Gamble, Devon Chief Executive doesn’t regret including Alfonso in the side. READ: IPL 2016 Schedule: Indian Premier League 9 Full Time Table with Venue & Ground
Neil Gamble said,”Alfie will be playing for us in competitive matches sooner or later so we felt it appropriate to give him a friendly game against his former employer in advance of the new season for Devon and Exeter,” Not only Gamble but Keith Donohue showed faith In Alfonso saying that they didn’t rope him in to win matches but to take the side through as transitional stage.
Keith said,”Alfie is a fine player and I doubt I am the only person wondering why Somerset let him go,” said Donohue. I have no doubt he will have an impact in games, but that isn’t the main reason why we’ve brought him in. Over the past two or three years we have lost a number of senior players and have replaced them with talented lads who still have a lot to learn. As a coach watching from the sidelines there is very little I can do during a game – all the technical stuff and video analysis can’t help anyone then. What Alfie brings to Devon are some fresh ideas and the experience out on the field to make our talented youngsters into the senior players of the future.”
