Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League

OXFORD have signed South African batsman Ryan Canning as they bid to climb off the bottom of Division 1.

Canning, who has played for Western Province and Cape Cobras and has 83 first-class matches under his belt, goes into the side for tomorrow’s trip to Welwyn Garden City.

The 28-year-old has a first-class average of 36 with five centuries, and was Cobras' wicket-keeper in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in India in 2009.

Canning said: “I played for Wolverhampton two years ago. Their captain, Dan Bowyer, is based in Oxford.

“I told him I was looking for a club to play for and he told them what I could offer and they were up for it.

“It wasn’t that difficult a decision to come over.

“I had a few visa issues, but it is good to be here now. Hopefully, I can bring some sun and some runs as well.

“I have heard good things about the Home Counties Premier League. It is a new challenge. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and getting going.”

Canning joins an Oxford side who have lost four from four in the league.

“It has not been the easiest of starts for them,” said Canning.

“I hear there have been a few toss losses, which have played their part, but that is not to make excuses.

“Hopefully, we can get a few wins under our belt.

“It is amazing what happens when you win one match. We hope to turn things round.”

Oxford captain Ian Crosby said: “Ryan is a top-class cricketer and will bring a lot to the team.”

John Barrett, plus the unavailable Stuart Hole and Brad Sutherland miss out from last week’s hammering by Henley.

Dan King, Shami Mendis and Jon Allcock come in.

Despite Oxford’s nightmare start, Crosby remains upbeat.

“We need to bat better, that’s the crux of it,” he said.

“Once we start doing that, I am confident we’ll be OK.

“As batsmen, we have all got to hold our hands up.”

Oxford were 0-4 and then all out for just 58 against Henley.

Crosby said: “It was a bit of a freak four or five overs. It was totally out of the blue.”

More good news is that Oxford are not likely to be facing Owais Shah.

The ex-England batsman made his debut for Welwyn last week, but has not been named in tomorrow’s side.

Oxford (v Welwyn Garden City, away): from King, Sandbach, Laudat, Canning, Perkin, Crosby (capt), Noble, Van Dyk, Mendis, Vainker, I Evans, Allcock.