Soldier David Wade, who turned down a chance to return to Afghanistan, makes his debut for Oxfordshire in their Minor Counties Championship clash against Dorset at Banbury, starting tomorrow.

The 27-year-old seamer left the Army to try make it a professional cricketer with Glocestershire, where he has been offered a two-year deal.

Oxon have called on his services after chronic availability in their squad.

“We have an agreement with Gloucestershire in which we can use each other’s players,” explained Oxfordshire coach Rupert Evans.

“We are giving some three-day experience to a bowler, which he would not have otherwise received.”

On Thurday, Oxon were able to name only eight players for the Western Division game.

Since then Wade plus, Aston Rowant batsman Chris Wat-ling and the Oxford duo of Ian Crosby and Chris Sandbach have been added to make a squad of 12.

Oxon: R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), capt, L Sabin, R West (both Banbury), J Perkin (Oxford), D Smith (Bormley), C Watling (Aston Rowant), C Sandach, I Crosby, F Vainker (all Oxford), D Wade (Westbury), A Blanchard (Banbury), M Taylor (Oxford).

BERNARD TOLLET OXFORDSHIRE CUP 1st round results Kidlington 63 (Zia Hamid 3-12), Oxford & Bletchingdon & Nondescripts 65-1(C Day 42no).

Didcot 138-9 (H Brisland 32), Challow & Childrey 139-6 (19.5 ovs, R Gordon 50).

Bicester 109-7, Cropredy 110-2 (18 ovs, E Somerton 58no).

Kingston Bag[puize 137-7 (D Inseal 54, A Kidd 30), Faringdon 123-6 (K Huxtable 64).