Batsman John Barrett makes his league debut in Oxford’s top-of-the-table clash at Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 1 leaders Welwyn Garden City tomorrow.

Barrett, who is also an outstanding fielder, gets his chance after performing consistently in the 2nd XI as Oxford opt to play seven batsmen.

Skipper Jason Harrison said: “He has been very prolific in the development team as well, and we are very excited about the future for him.”

Key all-rounder Nick Ferraby returns after missing last week’s dramatic one-run win over Tring Park, and the Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup final drubbing at Banbury.

Opener Chris Sandbach is unavailable, and wicket-keeper/batsman Jonno Evans’s season is over as he has gone travelling again.

Harrison has named a 12-man squad,with a decision still to be made on whether Dan King or Stefan van Dyk get the second overseas player spot alongside Shamilal Mendis.

Banbury add batsman Shahbaz Ali to their squad as they host Radlett.

After thrashing Potters Bar last week – with 16-year-old opener Lloyd Sabin hitting a ton – and having lifted the Oxfordshire Cup in midweek, Banbury are in good spirits.

Captain Ian Hawtin said: “Lloyd was only 16 last week. He has shone since he came into the side.

“I am sure there are better things to come for him.

“He is an opening batsman, but we didn’t want to put him under too much pressure, so we batted him in the middle order initially.”

Aston Rowant, buoyed by last week’s win over High Wycombe, are at home to Henley.

Will Rooney returns for leaders Thame Town’s clash with local rivals Dinton in Division 2 West at Church Meadow.

The teenage paceman played in the 2nd XI last week because he was struggling with a stress fracture, but still managed to take 5-30.

He replaces Chris Jeffcock, with Michael Higgs again skippering the side in the absence of the unavailable Sam Lachlan.

Reflecting on their success this year. Higgs said: “We are just playing positive and fearless cricket, and the team spirit is brilliant.”

TOMORROW’S TEAMS

Banbury (v Radlett, home): from L Sabin, E Phillips, Haupt, Hawkes, West, Tew, Shahbaz Ali, Ryan, Hawtin (capt), Blanchard, J Phillips, Guthridge.

Oxford (v Welwyn Garden City, away): from King, Harrison (capt), Laudat, Ferraby, Barrett, Perkin, Crosby, Mendis, Hole, I Evan,s P Evans, van Dyk.

Thame Town (v Dinton, home): Beard, P Patel, Wynd, Bhatti, Parmar, N Patel, S Patel, Higgs, Barnett, Goggs, Rooney.