MICHAEL Beard has praised the impact of overseas star Gamindu Kanishka ahead of third-placed Thame Town’s trip to Chesham in Home Counties League Division 2.

The 30-year-old, from Sri Lanka, hit his third century of the season during last week’s draw against Harefield.

After seven games, Kanishka’s average stands at 88.20 and captain Beard has been delighted with his performances.

He said: “We’ve never had a proper batter from overseas. It’s always a lottery, but we’ve done really well.

“He’s a great player and person – he’s fitted in really well.

“It’s nice to have someone who can take the pressure off the younger players around him and that’s the difference compared to last year.”

Opener and spinner Mike Higgs replaces Andrew Russell, who injured a hamstring against Harefield, while Liam Evans comes in for Lewis Ludlam.

Leaders Aston Rowant will be aiming to bounce back after losing by five wickets to Amersham last week.

Skipper Josh Smith said: “We got out playing attacking shots, trying to get 250, when in fact 200 would have been a winning score.”

All-rounder Wes Morrick returns in place of Andrew Tolson as Rowant entertain basement club Reading.

Shipton-under-Wychwood skipper Charlie Brain looked at his side for last week’s game against Datchet and realised that none of last year’s top five in the batting order were playing.

Anupam Sanklecha’s century failed to paper over the cracks as they lost by seven wickets.

For tomorrow’s game at home to Buckingham, Simon Hole, who was at a wedding last week comes in for Craig Wood, who is missing for the same reason.

Luke Champion replaces Adi Rai, who has left the area to work in Derby.

TOMORROW’S TEAMS

Thame Tn (v Chesham, away): C Russell, Sutcliffe, Kanishka, Beard, Straughan, Adams, Mushtaq, Phippen, Rooney, Higgs, Evans.

Aston Rowant (v Reading, home): Smith, Jewell, Condon, McDougall, Watling, Morrick, Pendered, Bethell, Muttitt, Penhale, Harris.

Shipton-u-Wychwood (v Buckingham, home): Brain, Hole, C Miller, Sanklecha, Davies, Lewis, Cross, S Harris, Champion, S Miller, I Harris.