Experienced seamers Chad Keegan and Daniel Rowe return for Oxfordshire’s Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Shropshire at Banbury, starting on Sunday.

The duo, who have played more than 60 first-class matches betwen them, replace Ashley Blanchard and Karl Penhale for their maiden three-day appearances of the season.

Oxon captain Luke Ryan feels his side are now even stronger than the XI that beat Cornwall last time out.

“They are both proven performers that have played a lot at first-class level,” said Ryan.

“Karl Penhale has done really well in his first few matches and he is still very much in the squad.

“The same is true for Ashley Blanchard.

“You can’t play the whole season with exactly the same team, especially with people’s work commitments.

“You can’t ignore the abilities of Keegan and Rowe, especially with their all-rounder options.

“They are both very strong with the bat and Keegan is also key to us with his fielding.”

The way Oxfordshire played to defeat Cornwall by five wickets in their last match gives them plenty of hope for the rest of their season.

“We have got four games left, so that’s the majority of the season still to go,” said Ryan.

“If we win three out of four, which we are more than capable of doing, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be right up there.”

Ryan added: “There is a lot of confidence in the team.

“We competed well throughout the game against Cornwall.

“We managed to compete with the ball against Cheshire.

“It was just one innings with the bat that cost us.”

Oxfordshire: Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), Shirazi (Aston Rowant), Sabin (Banbury), Perkin (Oxford), Cater (Banbury), Smith (Bromley), Keegan (Henley), Ryan (capt, Banbury), Rowe (Sully Centurions), Vainker (Oxford), Woods (Great & Little Tew).