Oxford University have reacted with surprise to reports that the ECB have decided to strip all university cricket of it's first-class status.

The introduction of a second Twenty20 competition in 2010 could leave counties unable to find space in their congested fixture lists to play Oxford.

Oxford University cricket coach Graham Charlesworth told BBC Oxford: "The varsity game dates back to 1827.

"It would be quite a big thing for that game to be downgraded in any way."

He added: "We've always seen it as a real privilege to play against the counties as well, and to have first class status. It means a great deal to us and always has done."