RUPERT Evans is back in the Oxfordshire cricket side after almost a year out injured for the final MCC Trophy group game against Leicestershire at Aston Rowant on Sunday.

The return of the veteran off-spinner, who badly damaged his Achilles tendon while playing for the county last July, is one of a number of changes to the side which clinched a place in the quarter-final with victory against Notts at Challow earlier this month.

Evans has been turning out for Oxford in the Adkin Cherwell League all season, but has been waiting for the right time to make his Oxon comeback.

"I'd planned to make myself available for the next two-day game anyway," said Evans. "But this was a perfect opportunity for me to get a game of cricket in at this level before that."

Also in again after a lengthy absence is Bicester and North Oxford opening batsman David Wise, who was unavailable last season because of work commitments.

Arwyn Jones and Bruce Ellison have been rested to make way for Evans and Wise respectively, although both are expected to play in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Abingdon School and Oxford fast bowler Alex Pike will make his competitive debut for the county. Others missing from the team that defeated Notts are Rover Cowley all-rounder Graham Savin, who is not available for the quarter-final, and 17-year old Horspath batsman Ben Thompson, who has opted to play for Magdalen College School instead.

"The game doesn't really matter," said team boss Alan Crossley. "So it gives us the chance to look at a few people and, of course, it is a chance for Rupert to ease himself back in."

Oxfordshire's quarter-final is at Challow on July 19, with their opponents yet to be decided.

Oxon: Williams (Bicester & North Oxford, capt), Wise (Bic & NO), Mustow (Bourton Vale), Laudat (Rover Cowley), Knightley (Bourton Vale), Hawtin, Taylor (both Bic & NO), Shahbaz Ali (Rover), Evans (Oxford), Jeacock (Bic & NO), Curtis (Oxford), Pike (Abingdon School and Oxford).

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