The Oxfordshire Cricket Board's winter coaching programme is in full swing.

More than 400 youngsters have been assessed, with 160 taking part in county squad coaching and a further 120 in the district squad.

The Oxfordshire Cricket Academy, now in its eighth year, provides intensive coaching for an elite group of youngsters, aimed at fast-tracking the most talented players into the senior squad.

The course includes sessions on psychology, nutrition and personal fitness.

As part of the county's link with Gloucestershire, the sessions are headed by Stuart Barnes, academy director at the first-class county, Tony Wright (pictured), now a specialist batting coach with Gloucs, together with Rupert Evans, Oxon's development officer.

For the first time this year a junior academy has been started.

Oxfordshire have a proven track record in producing first-class cricketers, including two current county captains in Andy Strauss at Middlesex, who has represented the England one-day team, and Jon Batty of Surrey.

Simon Cook, Tim Hancock, Rob Cunliffe and Ben Gannon and others who have made it into county cricket.

Coaching continues throughout the summer as part of the youth match programme covering age groups from under 10-17, including girls at under 13 and 15 level.

More details on Oxon's county coaching from Evans on 01865 741393.