Oxfordshire skipper Keith Arnold believes that all-rounder Adam Cook has the ability to make it into the professional game.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly with Gloucestershire 2nd at The County Ground, Bristol, Arnold said that the Oxford & Horspath youngster could soon be attracting the attention of first-class counties.

Cook, whose brother Simon already plays for Middlesex, has been a revelation since recapturing his bowling form towards the end of last season.

Under the guidance of former Oxfordshire skipper Rupert Evans and current coach Jack Potter, Cook, an off-spinner, has overcome serious problems with his action.

He took four wickets in the ECB 38-County Competition defeat by Berkshire at Thatcham on Sunday, as well as making 45 with the bat - and Arnold is looking for him to carry on the good work against Gloucestershire this weekend.

"If Cooky keeps bowling like that, then he is going to get tapped on the shoulder by a county," said Arnold.

"He spins the ball prodigiously, and because he has done a lot of work on his action with a couple of people he has got his confidence back.

"Against Berkshire, he gave their better players real problems. And, of course, he has been making runs as well for us for a while now."

Cook was not the only Oxfordshire player to impress the captain during last Sunday's defeat.

Arnold was also delighted with the performances of the new boys - Simon Launder, from Kingston Bagpuize, and Cropredy's Richard Lynch.

"We lost, but there were a lot of positives," Arnold said. "Simon has come on massively in just the few games he has played. He has that bit of pace.

"Lynchy is just a top all-round player. The shame is that he is in his mid-30s and he could have been playing for us for years."

Oxon's fixture with Gloucestershire has come about as a result of last season's agreement between the two counties to establish formal coaching and player development links.

Effectively, Oxfordshire are now a feeder county for the Bristol-based club.