Cricket has made a commitment to shift the culture of the game to be one where everyone feels like they can belong. As part of this commitment, an independent consultancy has been asking big questions and having honest chats with people across England and Wales to find out different perspectives on the game’s culture today and the ambitions for the future. These conversations have helped develop a set of themes.

Now we’re asking anyone with any connection to cricket (and their friends, family and communities) to get involved and join The Big Cricket Conversation. Every voice will help shape a news set of values that will guide our sport and, ultimately, the culture that gives life to our game.

How to get involved

The survey will run until Monday 3 June and our ambition is to get as many voices as possible to help shape the future values.

Get involved by:

● Taking the survey at thebigcricketconversation.co.uk

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Five wins out of five for Oxfordshire’s Seniors Group teams

The Oxfordshire Seniors Group has got its 2024 season off to a flying start with five wins out of five in its first two completed rounds of the Over 60s and Over 70s County Championships.

The Over 60s 1st XI got the ball rolling with a first round home win by five wickets against Bedfordshire at a very cold and blustery Challow and Childrey CC on April 23rd.

Beds won the toss and chose to bat and mustered just 140 all out thanks to some miserly bowling by Steve Roberts 2-18 from nine overs and Tim Mahoney 2-20 from nine, with Paul Hemming weighing in with 3-22 as the leading wicket taker.

In reply a steady 60 not out off 105 balls from Darryl Woods saw the hosts home by five wickets.

The following weeks game on April 30th against Bucks was called off but Phil Manger’s side were back in action the following week on May 7th when they took on Northants at Banbury CC.

The visitors won the toss and opted to field and Oxfordshire soon had the runs flowing freely as skipper Manger and Nick Morman put on 76 for the first wicket in good time. Phil made 46, Nick 53 and together with good contributions from Paul Hemming, 22, Charlie Anderson, 24, and Nick Edmondson, 35, the hosts closed on 241 for nine. 

In reply the visitors finished 49 runs short on 182 all out, despite a fine 65 from David Heathfield, well supported by Richard Denton with 40, mainly thanks to match winning spell with the ball by Paul Hemming who finished with figures of 7-44 from his nine overs. 

On the same day – in the 2nd XI competition Andy Haynes and his men made the long trip to Grantham CC to take on Lincolnshire and came home with a fine win by 47 runs, after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

All rounder Graham Nelson batting at seven top scored with 53, with good support from both John Morton, 41 and skipper Haynes, 35. Rob Seymour took 3-38 for the hosts.

In reply Lincs made just 168-8 but looked well set when openers Mick Kearns,47, and Andy Shapp, 33, put on 51 for the first wicket. However Alan Weaver’s 3-20 from nine and Graham Nelson’s 2-28 from nine, backed up by a miserly 0-20 from nine by Steve Kelly, ensured the win for Oxfordshire.

Meanwhile, Clive Ricks’ 3rd XI were also in action at Shipton under Wychwood CC against old rivals Gloucestershire and won by the very narrowest of margins – just one run – in an extraordinary low scoring game that had just about everything!

The hosts lost the toss and were put into bat and ground out 140 for nine in their 45 overs  mainly thanks to scores of 35 apiece by Mike Simmons and Tim Riley.

In reply two quick wickets from opening bowlers David Brook and Nigel Walker put the visitors under pressure after which they inched towards their target while losing wickets at regular intervals to Mike Simmons, skipper Ricks and Matt Todd. 

At 99 for 8 the hosts looked well in charge but then the match turned when Oxon wicketkeeper Peter Howe suffered a dislocated shoulder when colliding with one of the batsman while attempting a run out.

The visitors number nine and ten then batted very steadily, stealing singles and hitting the odd boundary and, despite losing a wicket just short of the target, were poised for the win on 139-9, before a final twist dashed victory from their grasp.

A crisp drive towards mid-wicket looked a likely match winner as it left the bat. Instead it was brilliantly parried by (or hit – depending on who you ask!) Mike Simmons at short mid wicket and fell virtually at his feet. For some reason the batsman thought there was a run to be had and called his horrified partner through for a single to tie the game. He was however, run out by a comfortable distance to leave Oxfordshire the winners by one run.

In sharp contrast the combined Oxfordshire/Berkshire Over 70s County Championship debut on May 9th at Great Tew CC could not have been more emphatic. They crushed the joint Staffs/Derby XI by the small matter of 149 runs, after their scheduled first game away to Middlesex on April 2nd fell victim to the weather.

Asked to bat Ox/Berks put together a challenging 192-8, mainly thanks to 48 from Jerry Senior, supported by three other scores of 20 plus from the batting unit. Ian White’s 3-51 was the best of the visitor’s bowling

However, their reply really never got going with both openers going for 0 and only David Tingay getting into double figures with 12 – eventually leaving them 43 all out and the host’s bowlers enjoying some extraordinary figures. Trevor Spindler and Nigel Walker both turned in spells of 2-5 off nine, Ken Fuller 1-3 off six and Steve Partington 3-13 off six. Not to be outdone the fielding was pretty sharp as well with both Nigel Walker and Chad Cudjoe effecting run outs by way of direct hits from the outfield. 

All in all not a bad start to the season despite the weather!

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the twelve-man squad selected to play against Buckinghamshire in the opening round of the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) One Day Trophy this coming Sunday 12th May 2024. The magnificent Wormsley Cricket Ground will be the host of the local derby that is due to commence at 11:00am.

Oxfordshire have selected their youngest squad of the season that includes seven players who have progressed via the pathway programme and a thread of experience, despite an average age of just twenty-one. Sixteen year old pathway product and Sussex Academy player, Julian Laird is selected in the first team squad for the first time and he is joined by fellow sixteen year old leg spinner, Henry Welch. Eighteen year old pathway product and Sussex Academy player, Dylan Driscoll returns to the squad having performed well in the T20 match last Sunday and there is also a welcome inclusion for eighteen year old Luke Hayes, who is progressing in his return from injury. Nineteen year old Oxford Brookes university Seb Stuart-Reckling also returns to the squad having missed the bank holiday Monday Twenty20 matches against Herefordshire.

Jonny Cater will continue to lead the fifty over team that includes Sussex CCC professional players, Zach Lion-Cachet and Harrison Ward who are available to represent their home-county. Fellow Sussex CCC players Sean Hunt, Henry Crocombe and Danial Ibrahim are all unavailable for this fixture. Left handed batter Jamie Harrison, all-rounder Hayden Rossouw and pace-bowler Prav Chahal were ever present in the Twenty20 side that progressed to the Super 12s stage of the NCCA T20 competition last weekend and they are again included for the start of the fifty over campaign. Tom Hinley is the only non-qualifying player from a permitted three in the Oxfordshire squad for this match against Buckinghamshire. George Tait is absent as he focuses on his university dissertation and pace bowler Tom Davis is out with injury. The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning. 

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the eleven man squad selected to play against Wales NC in the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) Twenty20 competition this coming Sunday 5th May 2024. The magnificent Wormsley Cricket Ground will again be host of the county with the first match commencing at 11:00am and the second due to start at 14:30pm.

With an average age of just twenty-two, Oxfordshire have again opted for a young squad that includes nine players who were selected to play in the opening round of the competition against Shropshire last weekend. Eighteen year old pathway product and Sussex Academy player, Dylan Driscoll is set to feature in the Twenty20 competition for the first time following his impressive debut in the final Championship fixture of the 2023 season. Sussex County Cricket Club’s Henry Crocombe is included in the Oxfordshire squad and is set to make his debut. Henry is joined by fellow Sussex CCC professional players, Zach Lion-Cachet and Harrison Ward who will again represent their home-county. Oxford Brookes University student Sebastain Stuart-Reckling retains his place in the squad and he is set to make his awaited debut against Wales NC. George Tait is unable to play as he serves a suspension and Jack Brooks is absent owing to family reasons. Tom Davis and Luke Hayes are all unavailable due to injury. National County sides are only permitted to field a maximum of three non-qualifying players with Henry Crocombe and Tom Hinley in the Oxfordshire squad to face Wales NC this Sunday.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning.

Oxfordshire hope to get their season underway this coming Bank Holiday Monday with a trip to Worcestershire Rapids. The game will be played at Flagge Meadow and will be the women’s first fixture of the 2024 season after the preseason match against Buckinghamshire and opening competitive game of the season were cancelled.

Oxfordshire will be captained for the first time by Emilia Bartram following her appointment as captain during the winter months, with the italy international making her ninety-eighth appearance for the County. Southern Vipers and England Under 19s international, Abi Norgrove is available to play for her home county following an impressive winter in Sri Lanka with the England Under 19s. Chloe Westbury, Aimee Diab and Katie Waugh are selected and have been part of the Southern Vipers winter regional academy sessions. Lottie Oxton returns to the side after missing 2023 and she is joined by the experienced group of Carla Wood, Eleanor Ingram, Genny Porter and Georgia Haworth. Kitty Spurgeon steps up from the Girls Under 18’s after impressing at the back end of 2023 season and through the off season training. University student Maya Barnwell will make her debut for Oxfordshire following a successful open trial in the winter.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Monday morning.

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the thirteen man squad selected to play against Shropshire in the opening round of the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) Twenty20 competition this coming Sunday 28th April 2024 at The Wormsley Cricket Ground. The first competitive Twenty20 match of the 2024 season is due to commence at 11:00am with the second due scheduled to start at 14:30pm.

Oxfordshire have again selected a youthful squad with an average age of just over twenty-three, including a significant majority of players who featured in either of the opening two pre-season friendlies. Tom Davis returns to the squad after missing last weekend against Oxford UCCE in order to manage workload, as does Prav Chahal who captained Oxford UCCE against the County. Sixteen year old Henry Welch retains his place following excellent performances in the opening two friendlies. George Tait has been rested to afford time for final year university demands and Luke Hayes is unavailable due to injury. The strong relationship between Oxfordshire and Sussex Cricket enables Zach Lion-Cachet, Harrison Ward, Danial Ibrahim and Bertie Foreman to all be available for selection, with the latter included in the squad for the first time. Also selected for the first time is Oxford Brookes University student Sebastain Stuart-Reckling. National County sides are only permitted a maximum of three non-qualifying players and there will be competition to make the starting eleven for each match amongst the four non-qualifying players within the squad. 

Assistant Coach, Alan Duncan is unavailable due to work commitments with Magdalen College School, with Physical Performance Coach, James Lamerton in to support Head Coach, Rupert Evans. Matthew Barnes will continue as Coach/Match Manager.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning.

The former Oxfordshire captain Peter Smith died on 15 April aged 80. Captain from 1971-77, he led the County to the Minor Counties Championship in 1974, only their second ever title, the first coming in 1929. A popular and inspiring leader, his positive approach was rewarded with five victories from 10 matches and only one defeat. Having finished top of the table, they were challenged by Cornwall for the title, a match played at the Morris Motors ground. Peter led the way, taking 5-26 in the visitor’s first innings as the match ended in a draw, thus making Oxfordshire champions. He finished top of the bowling averages that year with 25 wickets at an average of 12.44, in a strong bowling side that included Roger Busby, Brian Jeffries, Simon Porter, and Dennis Lock. Wisden recorded that ‘Oxfordshire were outstanding in the field where many fine catches were taken.’ Peter himself took several of these catches, contributing to his excellent career total of 88.

A Magdalen College schoolboy, Peter then progressed to Oxford University for whom he played 5 first-class matches but did not win a Blue. He captained Oxfordshire Colts and was selected for the England Schools team. He made his debut for the county in 1963 and in total he played 127 matches for Oxfordshire in the Minor Counties Championship, scoring 1869 runs at an average of 15.45 and taking 227 wickets at an average of 18.66. He made five fifties for the County, with a highest score of 65 not out in the second innings against Bucks at High Wycombe in 1964 to see Oxfordshire to a seven-wicket victory. A lively seamer, his most productive season for the county was in 1969 when he took 39 wickets at an average of 12.94. His best bowling performance was 8-45 against Cornwall at Witney Mills in 1973, taking 10 wickets in the match as Oxfordshire won by 124 runs.

On resigning the captaincy in 1977, the County’s annual report included the following tribute: ‘His ability to use the resources available to him was quite outstanding and his tactical expertise was brilliant. An inspiring leader, he set standards on and off the field which are a credit to Oxfordshire cricket.’

A schoolmaster, in later life he became Headmaster of Bradfield College from 1985 to 2003. The current headmaster has commented that ‘It was clear from early in my tenure that the Bradfield of today owes much of its current health and reputation to the outstanding development of the College under Peter’s leadership.’

Two of the members of that 1974 Championship winning side have sent their memories of Peter. Alan Crossley recalls: 

‘Peter, as well as being the most congenial of team-mates, was a quite outstanding captain,

totally transforming Oxfordshire cricket and in 1974 bringing home the Minor Counties

trophy for the first time in 45 years. His novel approach to the two-day game was in those days almost as shocking as the recent ’Bazball’ impact in the Test arena: Peter took the

simple view that if we could win 5 games in a 10-game competition we would be champions,

rendering the draw (that most common result in two-day games) rather useless, an outcome to

be avoided at all costs. He was quite aware that his team was comparatively weak in batting,

but took that to be almost as an advantage, since it would encourage opponents to make generous declarations. Above all he was determined to speed progress on the first day of

games, so he broke up Oxfordshire’s established stolid opening partnership and encouraged every batsman to take risks and to score as quickly as possible. His priority was to have as

much time as possible on the second day to negotiate and to manoeuvre. As for the bowling,

he replaced Oxfordshire’s established ‘old guard’ and put together a younger, flexible, and

potentially formidable bowling attack, backed by an outstanding fielding side. At that time, it

was still acceptable for half of a Minor Counties fielding side to be ‘hidden’ at third man or

even in the slips, but Peter had no patience with that: he needed to set aggressive fields and

also control the run-flow. So he expected each team member to set himself the highest

standards of concentration and commitment in the field: and his 1974 success owed much to

consistently brilliant out-fielding as well as remarkable close catching.

Peter’s single-minded pursuit of victory frequently astonished his own team. In one game

Roger Busby, having made an important breakthrough early on the first day, was bemused when Peter immediately took him off, explaining that it was day two that really mattered, and

it was then that he would be needed: of course we won that game. Peter’s cool assessment of

possibilities was applied equally to his own game: he knew that on some pitches his bowling

would be innocuous, so he simply did not bowl; but if conditions were favourable he did not

hold back, and to our delight took five wickets in two of the 1974 games. In several other

games, when our opponents were chasing easy targets, Peter did not share our relief when we

took wickets and might therefore hope to save the game; his great fear was that too many wickets too soon would force opponents to put up shop. In our second win against

Buckinghamshire he repeatedly took off successful bowlers and continued to dangle the

carrot until their last established batsman, who had long been comfortably blocking out, was left with no choice but to go for victory and was caught in the deep. As we laughed

afterwards in the dressing room I remember assuring Peter that all 10 of us had been behind

him all the way, but with knives in our hand. In fact we had just witnessed yet another

example of inspired leadership. Peter was a remarkable man and it was a privilege to be in his

team.’

Mike Nurton has sent the following:

‘Peter and I grew up together as opponents in school cricket and then as opponents in club cricket before becoming colleagues for many years in the Oxfordshire County Cricket team.  He became a life-long friend and someone I admired greatly.  He was a talented all-rounder capable of producing match winning performances.  Many considered him unlucky not to have been given the man of the match award in a Gillette Cup game against Cambridgeshire. I can vividly recall his match winning knock against Bucks at Marlow when he played an audacious scoop shot past fine leg in the last over of the game to secure a victory which enabled us to go on to win the Minor Counties Championship in 1974.  His mission was accomplished at Weymouth when nerves got the better of him in a tense game and he remained in the pavilion unable to watch until a victory was secured.  He could best be described as an early version of Bazball.  He always played with a positive attitude; never afraid to gamble; and intensely loyal to his teammates.  He retired too soon from competitive cricket when promotion and other challenges were presented to him in the field of education.  My most recent memory was having lunch with him and some old adversaries on the cricket field i.e. messrs Yeabsley, Wagstaffe and Garth Watson.  He was also devoted to his family and our sympathy at this time is extended to Diana and his daughters Helen and Liz.’

Oxfordshire v Oxford UCCE – Sunday 21st April 2024

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the thirteen man squad selected to play against Oxford UCCE in a pre-season T20 double header on Sunday 21st April 2024 at The Wormsley Cricket Ground. The first game will commence at 11:00am with the second due to start at 14:30pm.

Oxfordshire have selected a squad with an average of just over twenty-three for the final game in preparation for the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) competition. Oliver Armstrong, Abhir Joshi and Danial Ibrahim are set to make their official debuts, with the latter able to play as a result of Oxfordshire’s prospering partnership with Sussex Cricket. Jonny Cater is available for this fixture and he replaces Callum Russell behind the stumps and returns to lead the side in place of Harrison Ward who deputised as captain in the opening preseason game. Jack Brooks returns to represent his home county and Luke Hayes is expected to recover from a finger injury sustained last weekend. Max Mannering is absent due to running the London Marathon and Prav Chahal will be leading the Oxford UCCE side against his own County. Tom Davis does not feature as he has been instructed to rest by Warwickshire. Tom Hinley and Danial Ibrahim are the two non-qualifying players out of a permitted three for this fixture. Rupert Evans (Head Coach) and Alan Duncan (Assistant Coach) continue as the coaching team, with Matthew Barnes acting as Match Manager/Coach for the game.

The selected squad is subject to any changes of availability before now and Sunday morning.