OXFORD have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Home Counties Premier League Division 2 clash at home to Datchet.

Harry Stephens missed last week’s win over Amersham with a bad back, and during the game Mark Beer suffered the same fate.

Both will soon discover the extent of their injuries, but skipper John Barrett admits it is a concern.

“Harry was not fit last week, but Mark’s is a real worry,” he said.

“He was virtually using his bat as a walking stick at the end.”

Faisal Khalid has returned to Pakistan until mid-July.

Freddie Simon is back from university and comes in, while Alex Morgan is promoted from the 2nd XI.

Shipton-under-Wychwood welcome back overseas star Anupam Sanklecha for their trip to Cookham Dean.

The Indian all-rounder has been back in his native country for the birth of his second daughter, but is now in Britain for the remainder of the campaign.

“It’s clearly a massive boost for us – he is one of the best players in the league,” said captain Charlie Brain.

“However, he cannot do everything and it is up to the rest of us to do our part.

“Our batting has been a real cause for concern lately. I refuse to believe it is down to technical ability, and it seems to be a mental issue.

“Nobody wants to get out there and grind an 80 or 100 – but the top six need to start scoring runs.”

Simon Hole is on his honeymoon, while Joe Barrett is working at Lord’s. Jamie Perkin returns.

Thame Town skipper Mike Higgs is under no illusions as to where his side have to improve when they host top-of-the-table Buckingham.

Thame were all out for just 88 against Aston Rowant last week and Higgs is calling on the top order to go back to basics.

“Clearly scoring that amount is not good enough and will not win you games,” he said.

“We need to improve our batting no question, and the higher order need to step up to the plate.”

James Adams replaces the unavailable Will Taylor, while Matt Furniss comes in for Daniel Patey.

TOMORROW’S TEAMS

Oxford (v Datchet, home): from Alam, Perera, Clough, Munsey, Barrett, Fairhead, Mendis, Eltham, Fallah, Crosby, Simon, Morgan.

Shipton-under-Wychwood (v Cookham Dean, away): Hemming, Perkin, Dickinson, C Miller, Wood, Lewis, Seacole, Cross, Brain, S Miller, Sanklecha.

Thame Tn (v Buckingham Tn, home): Sutcliffe, MacDonald, Beard, Garg, Mushtaq, Phippen, Lachlan, Rooney, Higgs, Furniss, Adams.