Minor Counties Championship

OXFORDSHIRE have received mixed news on the injury front ahead of Sunday’s final Western Division clash with Cheshire at Alderley Edge.

Opening batsman Richard Kaufman, who made 156 and 80 in the last match, is ruled out with a side strain.

But Alex Jewell, who could now open the batting, and spinner Luke Ryan return after thumb and finger injuries respectively.

Ryan replaces Tom Geeson-Brown as Oxon go for three seamers in Chad Keegan, Daniel Rowe and Ashley Blanchard.

Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin remained philosophical as injuries have proved a recurring theme this season.

“Richard Kaufman pulled a muscle in his side while batting on tour in Holland,” said Hawtin.

“That is a blow for us, but having Alex Jewell and Luke Ryan back are positive notes.

“Alex scored 130 for us against Devon before breaking a thumb, while Luke has been really consistent.”

Oxon lie sixth in the Western Division table after one win, three draws and one defeat from their five matches.

Third-placed Cheshire have won three and lost two so far, but Oxfordshire’s form against Berkshire last time out should give them real hope.

Hawtin said: “The aim is to try and finish the season on a high and in a respectable position.

“Halfway up the table, where we are at the moment, would be fairly respectable, considering the injuries that we have had this year.

“I thought we won every session in the last match against Berkshire, but couldn’t quite get that final wicket.

“We should go into the Cheshire game full of confidence.”

Kaufman’s absence means Jamie Perkin is all but guaranteed to finish as Oxon’s leading run scorer in his debut season.

The Oxford man has scored 543 at an average of 90.50, which also puts him top of the Championship standings – just ahead of Suffolk’s Hasan Adnan, who is on 536.

Keegan’s 37 wickets also make him the Championship’s top man, ahead of Adam Shepherd (Lincolnshire) on 34.

Cheshire’s leading run scorer is keeper Jonny Kettle on 323, while Richard Logan tops their bowling with 26 wickets.

Oxfordshire: Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Jewell (High Wycombe), Knightley (Saffron Walden), West (Banbury), Perkin (Oxford), Cater (Buckingham), Keegan (Worksop), Ryan (Banbury), Rowe (Swansea), Blanchard (Banbury), Watkins (Aston Rowant).

Cheshire: Kettle, Goodwin, Wilkinson, L Dixon, Duffy, Hall (capt), Berry, Logan, Syddall, Warrington, Woods. 12th man: R Dixon.