Seamer Jack Brooks will boost Oxfordshire’s attack in their MCCA Trophy Group 1 opener against Bedfordshire at Ampthill on Sunday.

Northamptonshire-contracted Brooks comes into the side, but batsman Chris Sandbach has opted to play rugby for Blue Boar in the Oxfordshire Shield final.

Banbury batsman Craig Haupt and former Oxford University spinner Paul McMahon also come in, while seamer Richard Gilbert and all-rounder Damien Shirazi make their competitive debuts.

Stroke-player Rob Williams is recovering from a broken thumb and could be missing for a month.

Captain Ian Hawtin said: “From an Oxfordshire point of view, we hope that we don’t see much of Jack Brooks because that will mean that he is playing in the first team for Northants.

“Oxfordshire will be proud of that. But if we do have him, that is going to be a bonus.”

As for Sandbach, Hawtin commented: “No players are contracted with Oxfordshire. At the end of the day, it is people’s choice if they are available to play or not.

“We respect people’s decisions. We don’t try and force them to play.

“That is the beauty of a strong squad. We have quality back-up in all positions.

“If somebody comes in and does well, they will keep their spot.”

Hawtin added: “This year they have brought in Duckworth Lewis. I have been pressing for this at captains’ meetings for the last few years.

“I think that is a much fairer method of deciding games.

“All the counties have been given the software so that the score needed can go on the scoreboard.”

Oxfordshire (v Bedfordshire, away): Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Shirazi (Banbury), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), C Haupt (Banbury), N Hawkes (Stony Stratford), Shahbaz Ali (Banbury), St Hole (Oxford), Rowe (Leics), Brooks (Northants), McMahon (Wollaton), R Gilbert (Oxford).