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Cambridge are on something of a high as the 153rd University Match with Oxford begins today at Lord's.

Cambridge beat Middlesex at Fenner's in their last match, seamer Samir Sheikh taking four for 25 as Middlesex were bowled out for 126 in the fourth innings. Cambridge's batting, however, is their strong suit. They have declared six times in their eight first-class matches and centuries have been scored by Imran Mohammed (son of Sadiq), Greg Loveridge and Ken Walker.

For bowling, Cambridge look to Sheikh and the all-rounder Richard Halsall who has represented the ECB England side. There are worries, though, about the form of Loveridge, the New Zealand leg-spinner, who has missed most of the season with an ankle injury.

Oxford, who drew four and lost two games against counties, have proved dogged opponents. Their batting, the gifted Australian Nathan Ashley apart, is workmanlike rather than fluent. Byron Byrne has batted confidently and skipper John Claughton sells his wicket dearly.

Their medium-fast left-armer David Mather could be successful with his sharp in-swing while off-spinner Tom Hicks shows real promise.

Cambridge (from): S J Lewis (Jesus), I Mohammed (St Catherine's), *Q J Hughes (St Edmunds), J P Pyemont (Trinity Hall), G R Loveridge (St Edmunds), R G Halsall (Homerton), B J Collins (Girton), K D M Walker (Wolfson), S M Sheikh (St Johns), M J Birks (Jesus), C R Pimlott (Downing), J Lowe (Girton).

Oxford: J H Louw (Peeble), J J Bull (Peeble), *J A Claughton (Peeble), N W Ashley (University), B W Byrne, (Balliol), A F Gofton (Wadham), D J Eadie (St Edmund Hall), J P B Barnes (Wycliffe Hall), S H Khan (Wadham), T C Hicks (St Catherine's), D P Mather (Green).

Hampshire face Yorkshire in the Benson and Hedges Super Cup today having lost to them three times already this season.

The competition is exclusively for the top eight sides in last season's County Championship.