KEITH Arnold returns after a two-match suspension for Oxfordshire's Minor Counties Championship game with Wales at Banbury on Sunday and Monday (11am).

The veteran paceman, banned for throwing a punch against Shropshire, missed the Championship defeat by Cheshire and the MCC Trophy win over Nottinghamshire.

But Oxon will be without Bicester and North Oxford batsman Rob Williams, who is unavailable because of work commitments.

Captain Rupert Evans has again delayed his comeback from long-term injury.

Out since last July with a ruptured Achilles, he is fit to bowl but not to field, especially as rain is likely to make the outfield treacherous.

Wicketkeeper Ian Hawtin impressed as an opener against Notts and will continue to do the job in place of Bourton Vale's out-of-form left-hander Keith Mustow.

Stewart Laudat, with four half-centuries from four innings for Oxon this season, is back in the side after missing last Sunday's win over Notts through illness.

The Rover Cowley all-rounder's runs will be important as Oxon look to bounce back from defeats in their opening games against Shropshire and Cheshire.

Wales finished second in the Western Division last season, but they have also made a shaky start to the current campaign.

The Principality drew with Wiltshire at Swindon and lost on first innings in their "grade" game with Berkshire at Reading.

Oxon: Curtis (Oxford, capt), Hawtin (Bicester and North Oxford), Ellison (Oxford), Laudat (Rover Cowley), Knightley (Bourton Vale), Savin (Rover), Thompson (Horspath), Taylor, Jones, Jeacock (all Bicester and N Oxford), Arnold (Walsall).

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