Oxford MCC Universities have reason to be optimistic as they begin their first-class season against Lancashire in The Parks tomorrow.

That’s the view of head coach Graham Charlesworth, who feels the combined Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University team are primed for action.

The three-day match with the Red Rose county starts at 11am, with entry free as usual.

Charlesworth said: “We have had a two-week tour to Trini-dad and plenty of preparation. We are looking to hit the ground running.”

Two players to watch out for this season are captain Ed Young, a left-arm spin all-rounder, and wicket-keeper Richard Coughtrie, who have both signed professional contracts with Gloucestershire.

Oxford MCCU have forged closer links with Gloucestershire and had bowlers Jon Lewis and Richard Dawson on their Trinidad tour.

Meanwhile, Oxford University’s players returned on Wednesday night from a tour of India where they had former captain Jamie Dalrymple coaching and playing for them.

Dalrymple, who was a student at Radley College, is without a county after quitting Glamorgan last year.

Charlesworth added: “The county games always come up early. It will be nice to be a bit better prepared for them.

“They are still going to be a tough challenge, but I am quite hopeful.”

Joining the ranks this year are all-rounder Charlie Ellison – the son of ex-England and Kent seamer Richard Ellison.

Somerset youngster Charlie Walker and Warwickshire Academy player Ben Williams are two other first years who have already impressed.

Oxford lost by 30 runs to the Unicorns in a home friendly last Saturday, and they emerged with credit from a two-day friendly against Gloucestershire at Bristol, which ended yesterday.

Oxford posted 260-7 with Coughtrie making 83 against his new employers, before Gloucestershire replied with 370-5, Alex Gidman and Chris Taylor hitting centuries.

Oxford and Lancashire name their squads today.

Oxford also host Notts in a three-dayer, starting on Saturday, April 9, and then entertain Sussex in the same format on Wednesday, May 25.