Oxford skipper Ian Crosby paid tribute to left-arm spinner Francois Vainker, who will miss the rest of the Home Counties League Division 1 campaign after taking up a coaching post in Argentina.

“I can’t pretend that we won’t miss him,” said Crosby, whose team are battling against relegation.

“He’s been outstanding – to take 25 wickets in half a season is superb.

“When we were struggling at the start of the season, he was the one player who kept performing.

“His partnership with Shami Mendis has been outstanding.”

For tomorrow’s trip to Henley, Mendis will share the spinning duties with Ian Evans.

“Ian’s an experienced bowler so we will be fine.”

Oxford will also be missing Tom Geeson-Brown and Stefan van Dyk, who are both on holiday.

Van Dyk went to hospital following a bang on the elbow while batting in last week’s draw with Potters Bar.

But he returned later and bowled a few overs, as the injury was not serious.

Batsman Chris Sandbach and seamer Brad Sutherland return to the side but Oxford are delaying selection of the other member of the attack. “We just need one win and we’ll be heading towards safety,” said Crosby. “But it won’t be easy against a Henley side, who have underperformed this season.”

Banbury, who ended leaders High Wycombe’s unbeaten record on Saturday, are away to Potters Bar.

Ian Hawtin returns as Banbury field what looks their strongest possible side.

TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS

Banbury (v Potters Bar, away): Tew, L Sabin, Haupt, Hawkes, West, Cater, Hawtin (capt), Ryan, Blanchard, Megson, J Phillips.
Oxford (Henley away): Perkin, Sandbach Laudat, Canning, King, Porter, Crosby (capt),  Mendis, I Evans, B Sutherland, AN Other.
Aston Rowant (v Dinton, home): Morgan, Watling, Ferraby, Matthews, Penhale, Smith, Tolson, Morrick (capt), Muttit, Leaney, Carlton.
Thame Town (v Cove, home): Rathod, Jeffcock, Higgs (capt), P Patel, Barnett, Jivrajani, Parmar, Lachlan, S Patel, Desai, Rooney.