Minor Counties Championship

Francois Vainker will make his full Oxfordshire debut against Wiltshire in the Western Division at Challow & Childrey, starting on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Oxford spinner gets his chance after impressing for the Home Counties Premier League Division 1 champions.

Vainker has also featured for Middlesex 2nd this season, and thoroughly deserves his chance, according to Oxon captain Ian Hawtin.

"He is playing Premier League cricket for Oxford, had a good season last year, and has already done well this year," said Hawtin.

"He has proved himself at that level, which is what young guys need to do.

"Francois has got his chance and we are looking forward to seeing him play.

"Paul McMahon and Luke Ryan are not available due to UCCE commitments so this has presented Francois with a great oportunity."

Vainker has an average of 16 in league games this campaign, and has chipped in with some lower-order runs.

Former Banbury captain Richard Kaufman (below) comes in for his first appearance of the campaign, replacing Jaimie Noble.

Kaufman now plays for St Fagans in Cardiff after studying at the local university.

Hawtin said: "Richard has scored quite a few runs down there and has been bowling some good off-spin, so we are picking someone who is in good form.

"He has played for Oxfordshire for a number of years, so it is not like we are picking someone from outside the area."

All-rounder Nathan Hawkes will play his first championship game for the county after being denied by the rain against Devon last time out.

Oxon's long-serving seamer Keith Arnold will receive a trophy to mark his 200th game for the country.

Arnold is 11 wickets short of Oxfordshire's championship record.

Having reached the MCCA Trophy semi-finals last week, Hawtin said they were in confident mood to get their championship game up and running.

Wiltshire lost at home to Cheshire in the only match they have played so far in the Western Division.

Oxfordshire: Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Hewitt (Welwyn Garden City), Sandbach (Oxford Downs), Haupt (Banbury), Williams (Leamington Spa), Hawkes (Banbury), Kaufman (St Fagans), Vainker (Oxford), Brooks (Oxford), Newhook (Banbury), Arnold (Banbury Twenty).