LUKE Ryan is taking a realistic approach to Oxfordshire’s three-day campaign as they hope to end a winless start to 2016 at home to Shropshire this weekend.

Oxon had hoped to put a miserable one-day season behind them when they travelled to Cornwall a few weeks ago in the Unicorns Counties Championship.

However, they found themselves on the wrong end of a heavy innings and 59-run defeat, beginning their defence of the Western Division title in the worst possible fashion.

Captain Ryan though, whose side lost their three-day opener last season, before reaching the championship final, is hopeful of an upturn in form when they take to the pitch on Sunday at Aston Rowant.

“I am pretty pragmatic about the whole thing,” he said.

“We came out on the wrong side of an innings defeat at Cornwall which can happen.

“We did not see that as a reflection of where the two sides sit, but a loss is a loss.

“We lost our first game last year and went on to win the remaining five games and the division.

“There is absolutely no reason why we can’t do that again.”

Oxon’s season so far has been hampered by selection headaches, with school commitments and unavailability proving problematic as they have done historically.

But Oxon have been boosted by the return of Banbury opener Hugo Darby, while Horspath teenager and St Edward’s School pupil Harrison Ward is set to make his first minor counties appearance of the season.

In-form Great & Little Tew left-arm spinner Joe Thomas will also make his debut and Ryan believes Oxon are in good shape.

He said: “The players who we want to pick are available, that definitely breeds confidence.

“Three-day cricket is a struggle at certain points of the year – it is a big commitment.

“It is a big ask to take two days off for three months.

“You have to have some pretty understanding bosses or people who are self-employed.”

Head coach Rupert Evans echoed Ryan’s thoughts, adding: “We knew selection was going to be an issue.

“Historically we always have difficulty while school is still on because of the teachers in the side and people being away studying.

“Unfortunately, that is the way it is, but after that we then get more players available and play a lot better.”

Although Oxon are still searching for an elusive first win, Evans has called on his players not to be weighed down by the situation.

According to the former off-spinner, the only way they will bounce back is by playing with freedom.

Evans added: “I have always asked people to try and relax and play without fear.

“They have given a lot of time to be here and if they are going to play with pressure they are not going to play their best.”

SUNDAY’S TEAM

Oxfordshire: Ryan (Banbury, capt), Beard (Thame Tn), Brock (Great & Little Tew), Cater (Buckingham), Darby (Banbury), Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), Keegan (unattached), Rooney (Thame Tn), Sabin (Banbury), Thomas (Great & Little Tew), Ward (Horspath).