Adams, the former Derbyshire batsman, leads the side in a three-day match against Oxford University while Wasim, formerly of Warwickshire, opens the innings with Toby Peirce.

Former England paceman Paul Jarvis has recovered from the Achilles tendon injury he suffered in New Zealand in November, but is not being risked on soft ground.

Left-arm swing bowler Jason Lewry, who missed last season following a back operation, ends a first-team absence stretching back to July 1996.

Oxford University include five Blues in their squad. They are new captain James Fulton, his predecessor Mark Wagh, Byron Byrne, Larry Buchanan and David Mather.

Among the newcomers are South African seamer David Eadie and Douglas Lockhart, a batsman who has represented Scotland in the Benson and Hedges Cup.

Northamptonshire will be without three players for their opening first-class match of the season against Cambridge University at Fenner's. Batsmen David Roberts and Russell Warren are struggling with wrist problems, while off-spinner Jeremy Snape is sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Today's Cricket

First day of three (11.30am): Fenner's: Cambridge University v Northamptonshire. The Parks: Oxford University v Sussex.