HARRISON Ward says he was surprised to receive an Oxfordshire call-up, but is excited at the prospect of opening the batting on his senior debut, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The Horspath teenager, aged 15 years and 267 days, will become Oxon’s second youngest player in their Unicorns Counties Championship Western Division clash against Herefordshire at Brockhampton on Sunday.

Ward has impressed the county selectors in the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League this season, despite only making his first appearance on May 23.

Only clubmate Lloyd Belcher, who made his Oxon debut last year at 15 years and ten days, is younger.

Ward replaces the unavailable Michael Beard, and revealed that his Minor Counties selection came completely out of the blue.

“It came as a bit of a surprise because the batting line-up is extremely strong,” he said.

“It is a good feeling because I have been playing in the age groups right the way through.

“To be called up to the men’s team is something I have seen a few others experience and it is quite nice to have it for yourself.”

The St Edward’s School, Oxford, pupil has aspirations of playing for his country, but for the time being is looking forward to opening the batting for Oxon.

He added: “That does excite me.

“It is quite nice to know where I am batting so I can prepare mentally.“I want to play for them for a long time and hopefully for years to come, but I have cricketing ambitions past that as well.

“Hopefully, I can eventually play for England and I need to take opportunities that are given to me like this one.”

Captain Luke Ryan is confident he will be a success.

“It is not a case of age; it is ability, potential and performances,” said Ryan.

“He plays without fear and does not take into account reputations.

“I doubt he will do anything other than take it in his stride.”

Horspath skipper Will Eason added: "It is a fantastic achievement.

"He has got so much time when he bats.

"We have to keep remembering he is only young and as a club we are very proud."

Lloyd Sabin, who once held the county record when he made his debut in 2010 at 16 years and 26 days, returns, while Karl Penhale comes in for the unavailable Eason.

Oxon are third behind Berkshire, who beat them in their Championship opener, but after successive wins Ryan says his side are in good spirits.

He added: “It seems we have a method of winning a number of sessions in a row and putting pressure on teams."

Oxfordshire: L Ryan (Banbury, capt), W Beer (Sussex), J Cater (Buckingham), H Darby (Banbury), A Harris (Great Tew), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), C Keegan (Henley), K Penhale (Banbury), L Sabin (Banbury), H Ward (Horspath), J White (Great & Little Tew).