A data sampling circuit that employs an oversampling clock to oversample a data signal, a phase tracking circuit for use in such a sampling circuit, and a receiver and system including such a sampling circuit. Preferably, phase tracking is implemented by systematically identifying and rejecting at least one worst sampling position, and sampling the data signal at a non-rejected sampling position. Preferably, phase tracking is accomplished by counting through-transitions of edges of the sampled data signal through each oversampling position, and rejecting an oversampling position having a highest count of through-transitions. In some embodiments, different phase tracking methods (at least one of which includes the step of generating through-transition counts) are used for different types of input data. Other aspects of the invention are methods for determining an oversampling position for oversampling a data signal, and methods for oversampling a data signal including by generating through-transition counts.