LUKE Ryan has backed Cumnor teenager Jamie Curtis to pick up from where he left off when Oxfordshire host Herefordshire at Great & Little Tew on Sunday.

The 15-year-old spinner took three wickets in the Unicorns Counties Championship draw against Wales at Usk just under a fortnight ago after coming in as a last-minute replacement for Horspath’s Lloyd Belcher.

Ryan missed the game as he was at a wedding in Sweden, but Curtis keeps his place with Oxon still looking for their first win of 2016.

“We have been talking about him for a little while,” said captain Ryan.

“He impressed last year for Cumnor and has been on Gloucestershire’s radar.

“He seems to be a wicket-taker and an intelligent cricketer for one so young.

“It was great to see him take the opportunity last time.

“Chad Keegan and Will Rooney are bowling well and I try to keep it tight so there will be an opportunity for him to go through his repertoire.”

Ryan and seamer Karl Penhale come in for Great Tew duo Joe Thomas and Lloyd Brock, who is away.

Batsman Richard Kaufman was originally named in the XI, but is now unavailable and Tew’s Joe White is expected to take his place.

Ryan said: “We know what Joe can do.

“He is a proven league performer and it is good to get him back in.”

SUNDAY’S TEAM

Oxfordshire: Ryan (Banbury, capt), Beard (Thame Tn), Cater (Buckingham Tn), Curtis (Cumnor), Darby (Banbury), Keegan (unattached), Penhale (Banbury), Rooney (Thame Tn), Sabin (Banbury), Ward (Horspath), White (Great & Little Tew).