Worcestershire ace Gibbon spearheading Cheshire's National Counties Championship tilt

Worcestershire left-arm seamer Ben Gibbon will make his first appearance of the season for Cheshire in their National Counties Championship Western Division One opener against defending champions Oxfordshire at Alderley Edge on Sunday. Gibbon's last appearance for his native county also came at Alderley Edge last August when he took five wickets against Wiltshire, was recommended to Worcestershire who then invited him for trials before signing him.

Ad/> Gibbon's Worcestershire commitments – including three LV County Championship appearances – so far this season have prevented him from playing in any of Cheshire's white ball matches. But he is not required by them this weekend so will return to Cheshire's ranks for the three-day match.

CricketWales NC through despite loss with National Counties Trophy quarter-finalists confirmed28/06/2022 AT 16:26 There is also a seasonal debut for Oxton batter Henry Dobson for Cheshire with former Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire slow left-armer David Wainwright returning to county duty. Oxfordshire field a much-changed side to the one that beat Suffolk in last season's final with captain Jonny Cater among those who are unavailable for the trip north.

Opening batter Jamie Treasure, another product of the county's youth system, will make his debut with Callum Russell making his first appearance of the season behind the stumps. Aston Rowant seamer Karl Penhale has been included in Oxfordshire's side for the first time in six years with Harry Smith deputising as captain.

Herefordshire, who were promoted as Western Division Two champions last season, have named Worcestershire and former England Under-19 batter Josh Dell in their squad for Dorset's visit to Eastnor. Dell last played for