Skipper Keith Arnold believes that Oxfordshire will be fielding one of their strongest sides for years when they take on Dorset in the second round of the MCCA Knockout Cup at Challow & Childrey on Sunday.

And that is despite Arnold himself having to miss the game with a hamstring injury.

Ian Hawtin

Wicket-keeper Ian Hawtin will captain a team that is set to feature Leicestershire's Rob Cunliffe, playing his first game for Oxfordshire since 1993.

Cunliffe, who represented Oxon at every age group from under 11 to the senior side, has had a frustrating time at Grace Road since arriving from Gloucestershire at the start of last season.

Oxford & Horspath all-rounder Stewart Laudat comes into the team after missing the recent Minor Counties Championship defeat by Berkshire with a persistent knee problem.

Meanwhile, Richard Kaufman and Simon Launder have opted to play for the county, despite Banbury having a National Club Championship fourth-round game at home to Bromsgrove on the same day.

"I'm talking to (Banbury captain) Craig Haupt all the time," said Arnold.

"Craig's been very good, and he's letting Richard and Simon go for this one. If Banbury go further in the competition, then things might change, and I would understand that.

"But it means we can put out a very, very strong side - one of the strongest I can remember in the last few years.

"The only disappointment is that I can't be out there playing with them.

"It's not a major problem with my hamstring - I seem to do it at least once season - and I'm pretty certain I'll be back for the three-day Championship game on June 22."

Oxfordshire (v Dorset): I Hawtin (Bicester & NO, capt), S Laudat (Oxford & H), R Cunliffe (Sutton Coldfield), R Kaufman (Banbury), R Williams (Leamington), C Knightley (Richmond), I Crosby, A Cook (both Oxford & H), R Lynch (Cropredy), G Peddy (Hampstead), S Launder (Banbury).