Simon Hole, captain of Shipton-under-Wychwood, is bemused by his side’s batting failures ahead of their Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 game at Buckingham Town tomorrow.

Shipton have slumped to 32-8 and 69-7 in the last two weeks, although they miraculously won the first of those games against Datchet.

“It’s a mystery,” said Hole. “On paper, we bat all the way down to No 10.

“I could put all the names in a hat and be happy with the batting order that came out.

“We’ve got our strongest batting line-up in years and I’m sure we’ll come good.

“Despite this, we’re still second in the league.”

Shipton’s batting is strengthened by the return of talented St Edward’s schoolboy Calvin Dickinson.

Charlie Brain, who has rescued the side in the last two weeks from No 10 and No 9, is unavailable.

Josh Smith returns to lead bottom club Aston Rowant in their derby clash at Dinton.

Rowant make three changes after they had the better of a draw against Gerrards Cross.

Tom Condon, who scored 152 not out for their second team last week, and left-arm spinner Chris Leaney also come in. They replace the unavailable Chris Watling and Sasha Barras, while Adam Muttitt drops down.

Despite his side having won only once this season, Smith remains confident.

“The lads have stuck together really well and we’ll be fine,” he said.

Leaders Great & Little Tew hope to extend their advantage at home to Finchampstead.

Matt Clark is added to their squad.

TOMORROW'S TEAMS

Shipton-under-Wychwood (Buckingham Tn, away): Hemming, St Hole, Si Hole (capt), Perkin, Seacole, Jones, Sanklecha, Wood, Dickinson, C Miller, S Miller.

Aston Rowant (v Dinton, home): Smith (capt), Morgan, Cook, Condon, Shirazi, Matthews, Tolson, Morrick, Bethell, Leaney, Harris.

Great & Little Tew (v Finchampstead, home): from White, Garrett, Coetzee, Slatter, Smith, Hubbert, Clark, Harris (capt), Shurmer, Woods, Thomas, La Brock.