Alex Oxley will this weekend become Suffolk’s youngest Minor Counties debutant since the Second World War.

Oxley will be 16 years and 60 days old on Sunday when he plays in the three-day fixture against Northumberland at South Northumberland CC.

It is just over a year ago that Oxley, who at the time was with Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League side Woolpit, was in line to make his debut in the match against Cumberland at Carlisle.

Had Oxley started he would have become Suffolk’s youngest ever player, breaking the record held by Henry Wrinch, who was 15 years and 162 days old when he made his debut against Norfolk in Norwich in 1904.

In the event Oxley, who switched clubs to Bury St Edmunds in the winter following Woolpit’s relegation from the East Anglian Premier League, was 12th man.

Copdock & Old Ipswichian batsman Jed Cawkwell was selected instead and top-scored with 71 in the first innings as Suffolk won a low-scoring match by 41 runs.

However, Oxley will still become the youngest Suffolk debutant since the Second World War, eclipsing the record held by Nadeem Shahid, who went on to play for Essex and Surrey.

Shahid was 17 years and 79 days old when he made his bow, against Cambridgeshire at Fenner’s in July 1986.

Oxley has opened the batting for Bury St Edmunds in their last two matches, scoring 50 against reigning EAPL champions Swardeston a fortnight ago.

Suffolk coach Andy Northcote said: “I am very excited to see Alex in action and how his career-path progresses.

“He was 12th man at Cumberland last season and this year finally gets the nod after a good start for his club.

“He is a very talented, hard-working boy who has a good game plan and can stick to it under pressure.

“Alex has the ability to forge a long career in Minor Counties cricket and possibly beyond, but time will tell.

“I am looking forward to seeing how he handles the pressure a full fixture brings and it will be a great gauge for him and us to know what to focus on next.”