CAPTAIN Luke Ryan believes Oxfordshire are a stronger one-day side than last year ahead of their first friendly of the season.

Oxon take on Buckinghamshire in a 50-over match at Wormsley on Sunday and have set their sights on having a successful campaign.

Runners-up in 2014, Oxon were knocked out in the Unicorns Trophy quarter-finals by Northumberland last year, but a couple of new faces have been added to the side.

Oxford duo George Munsey and Harry Stephens are set to make their debuts at the weekend.

With top-order batsman Munsey having an ICC World Twenty20 qualifying appearance for Scotland to his name, and all-rounder Stephens scoring 434 runs for Berkshire in the Minor Counties Championship in 2015, Ryan has reason to feel optimistic.

“In a one-day perspective certainly we are slightly stronger on paper,” said Ryan.

“George is a really exciting guy to bat at the top of the order – exciting for the experience and the ability he brings.

“Harry Stephens is a really good all-round cricketer to come into our side so they are two really strong acquisitions.”

Despite last year’s early exit, Ryan says belief is still high in the county set-up that Oxon can have a successful season.

He said: “We were disappointed with the way we finished up last year, going out in the quarter-finals.

“We are looking forward to entering this format, it is always nice.

“To be knocked out was not what we envisaged at the start of last season so we are still confident if not more so.”

Aston Rowant seamer Leo Bethell, 18, comes in for his county one-day debut, while Banbury seamers Ashley Blanchard (injured) and Ollie Wright (unavailable) are missing.

Ryan added: “We will be slightly more optimistic of our chances this year.

“We can beat anyone on our day.”

Oxfordshire: L Ryan (Banbury), L Bethell (Aston Rowant), J Cater (Buckingham), H Darby (Banbury), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), C Keegan, H Munsey (Oxford), K Penhale (Banbury), W Rooney (Thame), L Sabin (Banbury), H Stephens (Oxford), R West (Banbury).