Cricket: Gloucestershire stars are drafted in by Thornbury (From Gazette Series)

Gloucestershire CCC players Will Gidman and Craig Miles selected by Thornbury in new draft system

8:00am Saturday 2nd March 2013 in Thornbury Sport

GLOUCESTERSHIRE stars Will Gidman and Craig Miles could be turning out for Thornbury this year.

County players have been allocated to clubs for the 2013 season based on the draft system used in American professional sport, with the lowest clubs getting the first pick on players.

Seven teams from the Wadworth 6X West of England Premier League divisions one and two, have been allocated a pair of players.

Batsman Chris Dent was not involved in the process but will continue to play for home club Thornbury when available.

Thornbury chose Gidman in a similar scheme two years ago but the 28-year-old all-rounder never played for the club as he became a key player for Gloucestershire, achieving the unique double of scoring 1,000 first class runs and taking 50 wickets in the same season.

Craig Miles, 18, became the fourth youngest player to represent Gloucestershire when he made his debut in a County Championship match against Northants in 2011 and is also an all-rounder. Former New Zealand international batsman Hamish Marshall will continue his non-playing ambassador position, while Ian Saxelby has been allocated the same role at Frenchay.

The new system has been implemented to try and ensure Gloucestershire teams maintain their status in the top two tiers of club cricket. Teams will not be allowed to play two allocated players in the same match unless one of them is home grown and academy players are free to play alongside a professional. The final decision on availability will be made by Gloucestershire based on the fitness, recent work load and the individual needs of the players.