Oxford have boosted their challenge for honours Division 2 West by recruiting South African all-rounder Alan Kruger.

The 20-year-old flew into the country on Tuesday and is set to make his debut at Marlow tomorrow.

Alan Kruger

A seam bowler and middle-order batsman, Kruger has played state cricket back home for Griqualind West against the likes of South African stars Herschelle Gibbs and Brian MacMillan and Zimbabwe's Neil Johnson.

He joins an Oxford team who are already buzzing with confidence after winning their opening two games against Burnham and Wokingham.

Skipper Rupert Evans said: "Alan's arrival has created a lot of excitement in the team.

"It has given the players a lift and they know they have got to do well now, and when our other players who are at university get back there will be lots of competition for places.

"The good thing is that he is joining us at a good time. We have played reasonably well in our two games and had two good results, so it is less pressure on him at this present time because the team is doing OK."

For Kruger, who hails from Kimberley, the chance to play cricket in England represents the fulfilment of a dream.

He said: "I have come to make an improvement in my game, but also as an individual and to build my character.

"I am excited that I have got the opportunity from Oxford and Horspath who have invited me over here. If you look at all the great cricketers everyone has played in England. Whether they are from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa every cricketer's dream, if they are not from England, is to come to England and play cricket for some time of their life."

Kruger's signing represents a change of policy for ambitious Oxford.

Evans added: "It is a completely new venture for us as a club because we have never had an overseas player before.

"In fact we have never had an outsider before. We have always had people from the youth system, so it is something new."

Paceman Mark Murfett is ruled tomorrow with an ankle injury, but Oxfordshire left arm spinner Ian Curtis, who has missed the opening two games due to pressure of work, comes into the side.

Oxford: Mustow, Eason, Jobson, Plested, I Evans, Krol, Kruger, R Evans, P Evans, Bishop, Curtis.