Damian Shirazi is delighted with his form after hitting the ground running for club and county.

The opening batsman, who is a useful seamer, has already hit two centuries in the MCCA Trophy after joining Oxfordshire this season.

And 26-year-old master-in-charge of cricket at Abingdon School is also averaging 132 for Banbury.

Shirazi said: “I think this is the best I have played in terms of one-day cricket.

“I have always scored a lot in the three-day game, but this year I have really gone on.

“Ian Hawtin has told me to bat through and the rest can play shots around me.

“I was a bit nervous coming from Wiltshire, wiith a new set of lads who have not seen me play before.

“It is good to get a few scores and wins straight away.

“It is going well. I think the whole side is starting to play well.”

Shirazi added: “I think I needed a fresh start. I got a bit stale at Wiltshire, even though I was getting runs.”

Coaching cricket at Abingdon School mean Shirazi is not always available at the moment, but he is also achieving success in his professional life.

He said: “My boys, the first XI, are unbeaten in nine games.

“Unfortunately I will miss the next three weeks with Banbury due to school commitments.

“On paper, we look a little bit weaker than last year, so it is great to be top of the table.”

Shirazi’s 100 was the bedrock of Oxon’s victory against Shropshire on Sunday, although it took until the final over to chase down 211.

But he said: “All the hard work was done in their innings with three spinners, especially Luke Ryan and Paul McMahon.

“That total was 40 or so short, so if we kept our heads, we would be fine.

“I think we were a bit too relaxed in our chase. We should have had a dash earlier.”