KEITH Arnold returns to the Oxfordshire side for their ECB 38 County Competition clash with Staffordshire at Aston Rowant on Sunday (11).

The veteran seamer has yet to turn out for Oxon this season, and had originally said that he only wanted to be considered for the two-day Championship matches.

His availability strengthens the county's bowling, but also creates a selectorial dilemma.

"It's great to have Keith back," said team manager Alan Crossley. "This is an important competition for us and we're keen to field our best side. We reached the semi-final last year and we want to do well again.

"On paper we're much stronger now, but do we drop a batsman or a bowler to accommodate him?"

Oxon will pick from a squad of 13.

Oxford Downs' Luke List, who missed last week's victory over Huntingdon in the opening group game with a damaged finger, could come in for Banbury's Shahbaz Ali if he passes a fitness test.

Skipper Rob Williams expects Minor Counties champions Staffs to be a tough test.

"They're a top side and we played extremely well to beat them very convincingly last year. I don't think they liked that, and they're going to have a point to make."

Oxfordshire: (v Staffs, Aston Rowant, 11) from B Thompson (Oxford), S Laudat (Rover Cowley), R Williams (Bicester & NO), C Knightley (Challow), G Savin (Rover), A Cook (Cumnor), Shahbaz Ali (Banbury), I Hawtin, P Jeacock (both Bicester), L List (Ox Downs), I Curtis (Oxford), A Jones (Frome), K Arnold (Walsall).

Story date: Friday 21 May

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