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Ian Crosby is back in the Oxfordshire side

Oxfordshire should finally get their competitive season up and running on Sunday when they host Cheshire at Great & Little Tew (11).

Having seen their first match against Shropshire rained off followed by a weekend off, Oxon are itching to play.

They didn't even manage a friendly against Oxford University on Monday due to a heavy downpour in The Parks.

Their only outing was a firendly win against Bucks at Kidlington last month.

Captain Ian Hawtin said: "It's been a little bit frustrating because you want people to get time in the middle and bowlers to bopwl, but we are where we are.

"We are certainly looking forward to Sunday."

Oxon make one change to the side that would have faced Shropshire with Oxford's Ian Crosby replacing Kidlington captain Shahbaz Ali.

This is the first time Tew have hosted a senior county game and Hawtin said they had earned their chance.

"They've done a lot of work over the years," said Hawtin.

"The wicket has had pretty good reports, so it will be nice to go there and play somewhere new.

"This game is a reward for them."

Cheshire are the only side to have won a match in Group 1 so far and would be assured of reaching the quarter-finals if they can beat Oxfordshire.

Hawtin's men are therefore playing catch up.

He said: "Cheshire beat Shropshire last week in a shortened game, so they've got two wins now.

"We've got to set out to win on Sunday to keep up the chase."

Oxfordshire: from Hawtin (Banbury) capt, Hewitt (Welwyn Garden City), Noble (Banbury), Haupt (Banbury), Williams (Leamington Spa), Cook (Oxford), Crosby (Oxford), McMahon (Wollaton), Newhook (Banbury), Brooks (Oxford), Arnold (Banbury Twenty).

4:59pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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