Luke Ryan was in confident mood ahead of his Oxfordshire captaincy debut in Sunday’s friendly against Buckinghamshire at Aston Rowant (11).

The 24-year-old Banbury left-arm spinner will lead the side for the first time in the 50-over match after succeeding the retired Ian Hawtin.

“I am little bit nervous, but I am confident that I can do the job,” said Ryan.

“I have played under some really good captains for Oxfordshire and Banbury, so I have got some strong role models.

“We have had a good set of pre-season sessions and are really looking forward to playing.”

Oxon include Michael Beard, the former Thame Town all-rounder, who has been released by Gloucestershire.

Beard, who has joined Banbury this season, has been called up alongside the Horspath bowling all-rounders Patrick Foster and Will Eason, with all 12 selected players getting a game.

Also in the side is the Aston Rowant seamer Karl Penhale, who played for Bucks’ junior sides, but has now thrown in his lot with Oxfordshire.

Ryan will share the spin duties with opening batsman Richard Kaufman.

A number of Oxfordshire players are unavailable for the game, including Chad Keegan and Nathan Hawkes, who is abroad.

Banbury left-hander Craig Haupt, who scored a century in this game last year, is recovering from injury.

Oxon open their Minor Counties Trophy campaign against Devon at Bovey Tracey on Sunday, April 21.

Their other opponents in Group 1 are Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cornwall Ryan said: “There are a couple of players who are not playing on Sunday that are in contention for a place against Devon.

“But this is an opportunity to look at different batting and bowling combinations and how we approach powerplays.”

Oxfordshire had been due to face Sussex 2nd at Blackstone CC last week, but the match was called off because the pitch was not playable.

Oxfordshire: L Ryan (Banbury, capt), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), L Sabin, M Beard (Banbury), J Perkin (Oxford), R West, J Cater (Banbury), D Smith (Bromley), D Rowe (Sully Centurions), P Foster (Horspath), K Penhale (Aston Rowant), W Eason (Horspath).