Skipper Simon Hole is hoping that a blend of youth and experience can help Shipton-under-Wychwood to a top-four finish on their return to Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2.

It follows last season’s promotion from the Cherwell League, where they finished runners-up.

Shipton, who open up at Falkland tomorrow, have made a number of signings, headed by Indian all-rounder Anupam Sankalecha, who has been recruited from Maharashtra.

Hole said: “We have a good blend of youth and experience in our squad, with enough ability to be capable of beating anybody on our day. A top-four finish would be a great achievement.”

IN: Jeremy Kirby (Langford), Ruairi Willis (St Edward’s School), Anupam Sankalecha (Maharashtra), Valentin Guiraud (Burford School), Andrew Hemming (Chadlington), Steven Carvey (out of retirement).

OUT: Tomas King (Oxford Downs).