JONNY Cater will prioritise continuity in the Oxfordshire set-up after being appointed the side’s new captain.

The wicket-keeper batsman has replaced Luke Ryan, who led the minor counties outfit for four years.

Cater takes over a side which struggled in the three and one-day formats in 2016.

But Oxfordshire had enjoyed numerous successes before last season, reaching three finals in 12 months.

Cater played a key role in the team which won the Western Division of the Unicorns Counties Championship in 2015 and is aware changing too much could have a negative impact.

The 27-year-old said: “For me, it’s about continuing on the success we have had in the last three or four seasons.

“We have been in numerous finals and it was only until last year when we had a bit of a lean season.

“You can’t take things for granted anymore, we have got to be a step ahead.

“The fielding last year was not the greatest and I want a key focus on that.

“But I don’t want to change a great deal – the players are used to the environment we’re in and they feel relaxed in it.”

There will be alterations in personnel, though, following the retirement of paceman Chad Keegan and a question mark over the availability of spin bowler Ryan.

Cater, who has made 50 appearances across all formats since his Oxfordshire debut in 2011, is also hoping to create a more seamless path from the second-string to the first XI.

He said: “If you do well for your club there is no reason why you can’t be in the second XI and then step up to the first team.

“That’s how I got into the side – I performed well and got the call.

“The key focus this year is trying to give the youngsters an opportunity, not only to perform in the second team, but try to give them a breakthrough in the first XI as well.

“We have had countless examples over the years.

“We are looking to try and keep that trend.”

Cater, who leads Buckingham Town in the Home Counties Premier League, had been Oxfordshire’s vice-captain since 2013.

He said skippering the side on several occasions last year in Ryan’s absence proved a “great experience” and felt he deserved the chance to take on the role full-time.

Cater added: “I would have been disappointed if I had not been given the opportunity to do it.

“I’m glad the chance has come for me to lead the side and I just think it’s my time.

“I’m very happy and just buzzing to get the season started.”

Banbury skipper Lloyd Sabin, 22, has been appointed vice-captain.