OXFORDSHIRE will be without Rob Williams for their final Minor Counties Cricket Championship match of the season against Berkshire at Falkland Cricket Club, Newbury, on Sunday and Monday.

The Bicester and North Oxford batsman has been picked to play for an England Cricket Board XI against Pakistan Under 19 in Taunton.

His absence is a big blow for Oxfordshire, who are currently lying bottom of the Western Division with no wins.

Skipper Rupert Evans is expected to lead the side, although he is again struggling with injury and will be replaced by Bicester off-spinner Paul Jeacock if he is not fit.

Definitely out are wicketkeeper Ian Hawtin, spinner Arwyn Jones and star batsman Stewart Laudat, all with work commitments.

Cumnor all-rounder Adam Cook and Bicester batsman and Oxford University coach Gary Palmer come into the team.

Bourton Vale's Charlie Knightley, who took his first ever Minor Counties Championship wicket against Herefordshire a fortnight ago, now turns his hand to keeping and takes over from Hawtin behind the stumps.

Team manager Alan Crossley said that Oxfordshire would be going all out for a win against their traditionally fierce local rivals, but that the season would not be regarded as a total failure if they did not get it. "A lot of good things have come out of this year," he said.

"We've seen players like Ben Thompson, with his 111 against Hereford, and Paul Jeacock with his MCC trophy form, emerge as quality players at this level.

"And we were just the proverbial coat of paint away from reaching the final of the Trophy at Lord's.

"Stewart Laudat and Bruce Ellison have again been excellent, and although we are bottom of the table, we don't feel we are the worst side in it.

"We have been frustrated by the weather and we have not really been outplayed at any point.

"But - and we have been saying it for some time now - we are still struggling to find a top seamer to partner Keith Arnold."

Oxfordshire: K Mustow (Bourton Vale), B Ellison (Oxford), B Thompson (Horspath), G Palmer (Bic and NO), C Knightley (Bourton), L List (Oxford Downs), G Savin (Rover Cowley), A Cook (Cumnor), R Evans (Oxford, capt), K Arnold (Walsall), I Curtis (Oxford).

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