OXFORDSHIRE give a senior debut to young Aston Rowant batsman Tom Condon as they seek to end their Unicorns Counties Trophy group stage on a high note against Devon at Sidmouth on Sunday.

Condon is one of four changes from the Oxon side that suffered a crushing seven-wicket defeat in the Group 1 game against Berkshire at Banbury last week.

The experienced Richard Kaufman also returns to the team. He and Condon replace the unavailable Horspath captain Will Eason and Sussex’s Matt Machan.

Harrison Ward and Joe Thomas come in for the injured Jordan Garrett and Harvey Eltham, who is unavailable.

Condon is a batsman in form, having followed a big hundred in the National Village Cup a fortnight ago with an an innings of 80 in Rowant’s win over Shipton-under-Wychwood in the Home Counties Premier League.

Rowant captain Josh Smith is confident Condon can step up.

“This has come at a good time for Tom,” said Smith. “He is a very talented ball-striker, who is in good form. I’m sure he will take this great chance.”

After two defeats – one of them on run rate – the odds are against Oxon qualifying for the last eight, even if they pull off a victory.

Skipper Jonny Cater is realistic about their chances.

“After losing some big players, this was always going to be a season of transition,” he said.

“It’s about picking youngsters now in the hope that they will be able to play pivotal roles four or five years down the line.

“Tom Condon comes firmly into that category.”

Oxfordshire: J Cater (Buckingham Tn) capt, L Bethell (Aston Rowant), T Condon (Aston Rowant), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), L Ryan (Spencer), L Sabin (Banbury), H Smith, J Thomas (Great & Little Tew), H Ward (Horspath), R West, O Wright (Banbury).