Jack Taylor took six wickets in a marathon spell of off-spin to help Oxfordshire keep Shropshire’s batsmen in check on the first day of their Western Division match at Great Tew yesterday.

The promising 18-year-old, who is on Gloucestershire’s books, bowled 37 overs on the trot from the pavilion end and finished with county best figures of 6-123.

Despite this, Shropshire were able to recover from a precarious 153-6 after being put in to reach 353-9 from their 90 overs.

By the close, Oxon openers Damian Shirazi and Richard Kaufman batted without al-arm to take them to 73 for no loss.

Honours were even on the first morning, with Shropshire lunching at 136-3.

Their early spree against the first seam attack in the post-Keith Arnold era, was halted by spinners Taylor and Luke Ryan, who bowled well in harness.

Between them, and thanks to three sharp catches at slip by Craig Haupt, they reduced the visitors to 153-6 shortly after the interval But a stand of 99 between Andy Gray and Matt Tilt restored Shropshire’s fortunes. Gray, who batted 142 balls for his 87, then found a useful ally in Steve Taylor, whose 58 off 67 balls sped Shropshire well over the 300 mark.

Jack Taylor came in for some punishment but never lost control in his long stint.

Left-arm spinner Ryan finished with 2-46 from 16 overs.

Stuart Hole, despite not adding to his early wicket, was the pick of the seamers, as Richard Gilbert and Daniel Rowe proved expensive.

Oxon will be aiming to capitalise on the good pitch over the remaining two days.