Oxfordshire's players can stake a claim to feature in their biggest match of the season by excelling against Cheshire.

The Western Division clash, which starts at Alderley Edge on Sunday, pits Oxon against last season's champions.

But with their MCCA Trophy semi-final clash against Berkshire at Banbury just a week later, everyone will want to impress.

Captain Ian Hawtin said: "Places are up for grabs. If people perform, then there are places to be had.

"We have not selected the side for the semi-final yet.

Everybody wants to play in that match.

"There won't be any problems with availability for that."

Oxon make three changes from their draw with Wiltshire.

Batsman Charlie Knightley replaces the unavailable Nathan Hawkes, while Banbury spinner Luke Ryan comes in for veteran seamer Keith Arnold, who has not recovered from the leg injury he suffered against Wiltshire.

Kidlington captain Shahbaz Ali completes the 12-man squad.

Hawtin said: "Cheshire are always a good side.

"We managed to beat them in the one-day competition at Great Tew, so hopefully we can do it again in the Championship."

One man who has forced his way into the team this season is Oxford Downs' opening batsman Chris Sandbach.

Hawtin said: "This is a fairly settled side, which is always good.

"Sandbach came in for the one-dayers and took his chance with a couple of 50s.

"He has played himself into the side and done well.

"We are looking for him to go and prove himself in championship games.

"He was close to a 50 last time, so hopefully he can pass that this match."

Cheshire have won both their matches so far, against Wiltshire and Wales Minor Counties with three players hitting centuries.

f=Helvetica s=6Oxfordshire: from Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Hewitt (Welwyn Garden City), Sandbach (Oxford Downs), Haupt (Banbury), Williams (Leamington Spa), Knightley (Saffron Walden), Kaufman (St Fagans), Vainker (Oxford), Ryan (Banbury), Brooks (Oxford), Newhook (Banbury), Shahbaz Ali (Kidlington).