CRICKET: Oxon geared up for pipe-opener (From The Oxford Times)

CRICKET: Oxon geared up for pipe-opener

10:10am Friday 13th April 2012 in Cricket By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

Oxfordshire warm up for their MCCA Trophy campaign with their now traditional friendly against Bucks at Aston Rowant on Sunday.

Skipper Ian Hawtin has named a squad of 12 for the clash in which Oxon will bat and bowl 11 players.

With a trip to Cornwall first on the agenda the following week, it will be important for Hawtin’s men to hit the ground running.

Oxon’s 12 includes brothers Matt and Jack Taylor, plus last season’s leading Minor Counties batsman Jamie Perkin.

Hawtin said: “The 50-over match will be good preparation for the one-day competition, which starts the following week.

“Chad Keegan, Daniel Rowe and Rob Williams are not playing, but will come into contention for next week.”

Oxfordshire also face Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Devon in Group 1.

Hawtin added: “The winter sessions have been good and quite professionally organised by Rupert Evans.

“It will be interesting to see how we do out in the middle on Sunday.

“This is the first game of the season for most people.”

Bucks give a debut to former England one-day batsman Mal Loye, who was released by Northants last season.

Oxfordshire: Kaufman (Camden), Jewell (High Wycombe), Haupt (Banbury), Hawkes (Banbury), Perkin (Oxford), Sabin (Banbury), Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Ryan (Banbury), Blanchard (Banbury), M Taylor (Great & Little Tew), Geeson-Brown (Oxford), J Taylor (Gloucs).