Keith Arnold says it could take a miracle for him play to play again for Oxfordshire.

But the legendary seam bowler, who turns 49 at the end of this month, is refusing to throw in the towel despite suffering from a back injury.

Arnold is still featuring for Banbury Twenty in The Oxford Times Cherwell League, although he is unable to bowl off a full run-up.

And should he manage to find form and fitness, he is still itching to represent Oxon.

Arnold needs just seven more Minor Counties Championship wickets to break David Laitt’s formidable Oxfordshire record of 670.

But he said that was not the hardest thing about no longer being involved.

“It would have been nice to break the record, but I just like playing cricket for Oxfordshire and winning games,” said Arnold.

“That was always the most important thing. Nobody will remember you once you have packed up!”

Arnold, who is known as Arnie, said: “I have got a back problem. I’m playing for the club, but the prognosis is not too good.

“I guess I’m unlikely to be playing for the county again unless something miraculous happens.

“I have not given up hope of a full recovery, but I can’t say I’m that confident. It is just wait and see really. If I can perform well for the club you never know.

“I will just give it a few games and see what happens.

“I’m bowling off a restricted run-up. I’m not that fast these days anyway, but I can’t bowl to my full potential.”

Arnold made his Oxfordshire debut in 1980 and last summer played his 200th and 201st Minor Counties Championship games.

In that time Arnold has suffered no major injuries, but now fears his fortunes may have changed.

Arnold said: “I suppose I shouldn’t be that surprised. I have been very lucky over the years with injuries.

“I can’t go on forever. I will probably make a decision at some stage this summer.

“I have played with a few aches and pains, but this is probably a bit more than that.

“There is not really a lot I can do. I think I know what the outcome is, but I have not made a decision either way.”

Arnold remains a keen competitor and you suspect there is little chance of Cherwell League batsmen finding him easy pickings.

And even if he is not playing for Oxon, he is closely monitoring their progress.

He said: “It is frustrating, especially with the county doing well. I would love to be part of it. They have had some tremendous wins and one or two new faces.

“I’m really pleased for Hawts (captain Ian Hawtin).”