Oxfordshire have turned to youth for their season-opening friendly against Oxford Universities in The Parks tomorrow (11am), writes RICHARD TILLEY.

Teenage seamers Ben France and Phil Evans will lead the attack as Oxon tune up for May 16's NatWest Trophy clash with the winner of next Tuesday's first-round tie between Bucks and Wales.

Evans, the son of former county captain Rupert, also plays in Monday's game with Northants 2nd at Thame, where he will be joined in the Oxon team by his twin brother Ian. Another out to make an impact will be Banbury's Craig Haupt, although he will be doing it belatedly.

The big South African-born all-rounder made a false start to his Oxon career last season.

Haupt played in the warm-up games and was all set for his Minor Counties debut, when it emerged that he was not yet a UK citizen.

Despite having served the required seven-year residency qualification, a mix-up with the paperwork meant that Haupt could make only one other appearance for Oxon as an overseas player in the NatWest defeat by Durham Board.

But he has now got the green light by Lord's. And his presence this season could be crucial as Oxfordshire look like being without stalwart all-rounder Graham Savin, who has made himself unavailable.