Oxfordshire will give two new seamers a chance to shine when they host Buckinghamshire in a friendly at Aston Rowant on Sunday (11).
Oxford’s Richard Gilbert and Banbury’s Jamil Faruq are both included for the 13-a-side match, which comes a week before Oxon’s MCCA Trophy opener against Bedfordshire.
Captain Ian Hawtin has selected six fellow Banbury players, with another four coming from Oxford.
The ‘odd ones out’ are former Banbury pair Richard Kaufman and Nathan Hawkes, now with Old Northamptonians and Stony Strat-ford respectively.
Hawtin said: “We are looking at Richard Gilbert and Jamil Faruq as Ryan Newhook is not available.
“Gilbert joined Oxford last season, but didn’t really play a great deal. Both have looked good in our training.
“We have had an excellent winter of indoor training under Ruper Evans and Graham Charlesworth.
“I think everybody has found that beneficial.”
Stuart Hole should lead Oxon’s pace attack, while spinner Jimmy Phillips is recalled.
Rob Cunliffe is unavailable, as is Leicestershire-contracted seamer Daniel Rowe, who will be featuring for Oxon this summer.
Rowe is playing for Middlesex 2nd this week, but will be available against Bedfordshire.
Bucks are captained by Oxford skipper Jason Harrison, and also give a debut to Aston Rowant all-rounder Wesley Morrick.
They include former Gloucestershire all-rounder Mark Hardinges, who will be making his debut.
Oxfordshire: who will be making his debut.
Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), Shirazi (Banbury), Haupt (Banbury), Hawkes (Stony Stratford), Noble (Banbury), Shahbaz Ali (Banbury), Sandbach (Oxford), St Hole (Oxford), Vainker (Oxford), Jamil Faruq (Banbury), Gilbert (Oxford), Phillips (Banbury).
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