Oxfordshire have opted to play the extra bowler for their winner-takes-all group match against Shropshire in the Minor Counties Trophy at Challow & Childrey on Sunday (11am).

The winners will qualify for the quarter-final, with the losers missing out.

At present Oxon are third in the table, but a victory would guarantee them a top-two spot and a place in the last eight.

Oxon make three changes from the side that earned a thrilling victory against Cheshire earlier this month.

Banbury’s Damian Shirazi, who was unavailable for that game, replaces Chris Sandbach at the top of the order.

Also back is Oxford paceman Stuart Hole, who returns in place of batsman Alex Jewell.

The third change sees Paul McMahon getting the main spinning role ahead of Luke Ryan, who played well against Cheshire.

It means that Oxon are at full strength, apart from former skipper Rob Williams, who is still nursing a broken finger. It could be another month before he is back.

“The return of Shirazi and Hole means we have numerous bowling choices,” said Oxon skipper and wicket-keeper Ian Hawtin.

“In fact, I’m the only one that can’t bowl.”

Hawtin is in confident mood.

He said: “We know Shropshire pretty well, although our Trophy game against them last year was rained off.

“They are a decent batting and bowling side, and we always have good games against them.

“Apart from one blip against Bedfordshire, we’ve played good aggressive cricket this season and must have a good chance.”

Shropshire include former Yorkshire spinner Andy Gray.

After losing their Trophy opener to Bedfordshire, Shropshire have defeatedn Cumberland by three wickets and beaten Cheshire in a rain-shortened match.

Oxon team: I Hawtin (capt), D Shirazi, R Kaufman, C Haupt, N Hawkes, Shahbaz Ali, D Smith, D Rowe, S Hole, P McMahon, R Gilbert.