RUPERT Evans is fit to lead Oxfordshire in their Minor Counties Championship game with mighty Devon at Thame CC on Sunday and Monday (11).

The veteran Oxford off-spinner comes in for Bicester and North Oxford's Paul Jeacock after recovering from the hand injury that caused him to miss Sunday's MCC Trophy quarter-final win over Norfolk.

Rover Cowley all-rounder Graham Savin is also back in after missing Sunday's game because of a family christening.

But Oxon will be without Bicester wicket-keeper Ian Hawtin, an ever-present this season, who has work commitments.

The host club's Rob Brooks - a nuggety little Cornishman - will take over the gloves and is likely to open the batting in Hawtin's place.

Rover Cowley batsman Stewart Laudat is also unable to get time off, but both he and Hawtin are available for the MCC Trophy semi-final against Shropshire at Challow next Thursday (11).

Devon, champions for the past four seasons and captained by former Somerset skipper Peter Roebuck, will be missing star opener Nick Gaywood, who is in Denmark representing an England Amateur XI.

Oxfordshire: B Ellison (Oxford), R Brooks (Thame), B Thompson (Horspath), R Williams (Bicester), C Knightley (Bourton Vale), G Savin (Rover Cowley), L List (Oxford Downs), R Evans (Oxford, capt), A Jones (Bicester), I Curtis (Oxford), K Arnold (Walsall).

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