Twenty 20 cricket returns to The Parks tonight with Oxford's students bidding to avenge last year's defeat at the hands of their county rivals.

The quick-fire game has proved a big hit with fans across the country and organisers are hoping its second appearance in Oxford will draw in a big crowd.

Off the field, tonight's attractions include a bar and a barbecue while on it, the students' side features Viv Richards' son Mali.

In 2004, Oxfordshire defeated Oxford UCCE by five wickets after scrambling two from the final ball.

As with the Twenty20 Cup, music will greet wickets and players as they go out to bat.

Oxford University cricket adminstrator Mark Huddleston said: "The music is not that loud.

"We had a few concerns from residents last year, but you can't hear it on the edge of the ground."

The match gets under way at 6pm with Oxford UCCE playing in blue and Oxon in red.

Huddleston is looking for a repeat of last year's drama tonight albeit with a student victory.

He said: "Last year we had anywhere between 100 and 300 people at any one time.

"We are hoping for a good crowd, but obviously a lot depends on the weather."

The Twenty20 Challenge follows Oxford University's Cuppers final and will see Oxon pro Jamie Hewitt make his county debut.

Hewitt missed last week's victory over Wiltshire with a back injury, but will captain the side tonight in the absence of Ian Hawtin.

Hawtin's place behind the stumps is taken by Banbury's Danny Harding.

Match organisers hope to entice many people on their way home from work.

Entry to The Parks is free, so there is no charge to watch the game. However, car parking for the game is extremely restricted.

TONIGHT'S TEAMS

Oxford UCCE (from): Anwar, Oberoi, Sekhri, Knappett (capt), Richards, Moreton, Woods, D Fox, T Fox, Chorlton, Airey, Selvey-Clinton.

Oxon: Hewitt (capt), Haupt, Cook, P Evans, Harding, Hole, Mustow, Kaufman, Phillips, Crosby, Watling.