Oxfordshire 60+ defeated Australia 60+ by one wicket off the last ball in an incredible finish at Aston Rowant.

It was the first defeat of the Australians’ tour, with their aim having been to emulate Don Bradman’s 1948 ‘Invincibles’.

Chasing Australia’s 249-4 off 45 overs after the tourists had elected to bat in a match where batsmen retired on reaching 50, but could return at the fall of the last wicket, Oxon reached the last over needing 17 for victory with two wickets left.

Jerry Senior fell to the first ball for 35, bringing Ian Caunce, who had earlier retired on 51, back in.

He smashed the next three balls for two fours and a six.

But then No 11 Steve Wilson was injured during a scrambled two to bring the scorers level.

With a runner at the non-striker’s end, Caunce hit the last ball past point.

Caunce, who is to represent England 60+ against the Australians in a Test match at Sunbury on July 2 and 3, was named man-of-the-match for his unbeaten 68 from 58 balls.

He had shared a first-wicket stand of 107 with Derek Watts, who hit 47, before Oxon lost four quick wickets.

Steve Partington and Senior put on 48, and skipper Andrew Wingfield Digby hit a quick-fire 33 to put the home side back in the hunt.

Earlier, Ian Petherick made a quick start for the visitors and soon retired on 52.

Phil Drescher (51ret) took the tourists to a challenging total after tight bowling by Wingfield-Digby and Wilson.

Scores: Australia 60+ 249-4 (45 ovs, I Petherick 52ret, P Drescher 51ret, N King 37no), Oxfordshire 60+ 250-9 (45 ovs, I Caunce 68no, D Watts 47, J Senior 35, A Wingfield Digby 33).