Minor Counties Championship

OXFORDSHIRE have been forced to ring the changes for their Western Division clash with Devon at Great & Little Tew, starting on Sunday.

Captain Ian Hawtin has brought in five players to a 13-man squad, with three of the side that drew against Wiltshire unavailable.

All-rounder David Smith, spinner Jimmy Phillips, seamer Daniel Rowe and batsmen Chris Watling all come in to the squad.

But batting trio Richard Kaufman, Rob Williams and Jamie Perkin are all unavailable for the three-day match.

Hawtin said: “We have named a squad of 13. One of the things we are waiting on is Rowe’s fitness.

“We are hoping he can make it.”

Rowe has not played for Oxon since injuring his knee in their opening MCCA Trophy match on May 1.

Like most teams in the division, Oxon only managed a rain-affected draw in their first Championship match, so victory at Tew would leave them well-placed.

Hawtin said: “Devon are always a strong side, so I’m sure it will be a good game.

“Hopefully the weather is better than last time and we’ll get three days of good cricket.

“Only Berkshire and Cheshire got decisive wins last time, so if we can win ourselves, it puts us right in the picture.

Oxfordshire could have brothers Jack and Matt Taylor playing together on their home ground, but Devon look set to go one better.

They have named 17-year-old twins Craig and Jamie Overton in their 12-man squad.

And with the experienced Ian Bishop dropped from the squad, Devon’s director of cricket Roger Newman hinted that the pace-bowling Somerset academy brothers will play at Tew.

Newman said: “We need more penetration in our attack, as to win Minor County matches you have to bowl sides out at least once and preferably twice.”

After this, Oxon have just one more home fixture – against Berkshire, starting on Sunday, August 7 at Banbury.

They face Shropshire at Whitchurch on July 10, Dorset at Bournemouth on July 24 and Cheshire at Alderley Edge on August 21.

Oxfordshire: from Shirazi (Lymington), Sabin (Banbury), Jewell (High Wycombe), Smith (Wollaton), J Taylor (Gloucester-shire), Keegan (Worksop), Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Rowe (Swansea), Blanchard (Banbury), M Taylor (Great & Little Tew), J Phillips (Banbury), Watling (Aston Rowant), Shahbaz Ali (Banbury).