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Stuart Hole has joined Stratford

Oxford have signed New Zealander Raj Sharma as they prepare to open the defence of their Home Counties Premier League crown.

But they will be without the services of the Hole brothers, Stuart and Simon, who have joined Stratford and Banbury respectively.

Sharma, a 24-year-old top order batsman and medium-fast bowler, helped Auckland side Cornwall CC to the National Club Championship this season.

Oxford captain Jason Harrison said they were excited by their new recruit, who is a student.

"Throughout the season he made excellent contributions with bat and ball, which attracted us," he explained.

"He has been in the Auckland 2nd XI squad for the last four years and is looking to come over for experience."

Sharma's signing represents a change of direction for Oxford, who have put the emphasis on recruiting local talent in recent seasons.

"We have not really gone down the overseas route over the last few years and we are very excited about the type of individual he is," added Harrison.

"His references are absolutely superb and the important thing is he fits in with our cricket structure and he has the right personality."

Sharma's arrival will help offset the loss of the two Hole brothers.

Stuart Hole, 22, who made his first-class debut for Warwickshire against Yorkshire at Scarborough last August, has joined Stratford under the Midlands county's requirement that players they contract out play in the Birmingham League.

Harrison said: "He is obviously very disappointed and so are we, but his career is the most important thing.

"He is on the verge of the first team. He has been there three years and it is a big year for him to play through.

"He certainly has the ability and temperament which is just as important, and the work ethic. Everyone at the club has high hopes of him progressing."

The move of Hole's 24-year-old brother, Simon, to Banbury comes as no surprise as the Oxfordshire batsman is also groundsman at White Post Road.

"It was inevitable that would happen," said Harrison. "We are disappointed having invested a lot of time in him.

"He can become a very good player in the next couple of years and we wish him luck."

2:51pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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