Bicester & North Oxford will be looking for Australian import Rod Davison to score heavily as they try to improve on last season, when they struggled to avoid relegation.

The left-hander certainly boasts an impressive pedigree, having played 39 first-class games for New South Wales.

Davison, who regularly deputised for Mark Taylor and Michael Slater when the pair were away on Test duty, scored 2,300 first-class runs at an average of 35.38 between 1993 and 2000.

The 31-year-old made a century on his debut against Tasmania in 1993-94, and his best season came in 1997-98, when he made tons in three successive first-class games.

Meanwhile, Graham Savin faces a late fitness test for Bicester's opener against Reading at Chesterton. The former Oxfordshire all-rounder has an damaged shoulder.

Seamer Mark Stanway is also injured, but he is expected to pass a fitness test on his broken toe.

Former Oxon opening bowler David Slade and ex-Hampshire 2nd XI batsman Ben Chapman will be making their league debuts.

All-rounder Ben France has returned from a winter in Australia and is looking to continue the form he showed against Oxfordshire in last Sunday's friendly.