Oxfordshire have been decimated by unavailability for their Minor Counties Championship Western Division match against Dorset at Banbury, which gets under way on Sunday.

Stand-in skipper Richard Kaufman was able to name only eight players yesterday – with his list of those players who can’t play much longer than those who can.

Missing along with injured captain Ian Hawtin are Craig Haupt, Simon Hole, Luke Ryan, Chad Keegan, Daniel Rowe, Jimmy Phillips, Rob Williams and Charlie Knightley due to work.

Nathan Hawkes is playing for Leicestershire 2nd, while Jonny Cater is involved in gaining teacher qualifications, and Alex Jewell is also unavailable.

That leaves Banbury trio Lloyd Sabin, Richard West and Ashley Blanchard, Oxford duo Jamie Perkin, who will keep wicket, and Francois Vainker, Great & Little Tew seamer Matt Taylor and Bromley all-rounder David Smith plus Kaufman as the eight players so far confirmed for the game.

Kaufman said: “It is disappointing on the availability, but we just have to hope that the guys step up, who have the opportunity.

“We beat them last year, but obviously it is difficult when you are minus 12 of your starting 11.”

In a bid to complete the side, Oxfordshire were waiting on the availability of Aston Rowant batsman Chris Watling and Shipton-under-Wychwood seamer Johnny Gurney.

An approach has also been made to Gloucestershire CCC to see if they can help out.