Minor Counties Championship

Keith Arnold will make a shock return to a much-changed Oxfordshire side for their opening Western Division clash with Dorset at Great & Little Tew.

The 49-year-old Banbury Twenty seamer has been suffering with a back injury and said it could take a miracle for him play again for Oxon.

But with captain Ian Hawtin facing an availability crisis, Arnold has been recalled alongside youngsters Richard West, Jack Taylor and Ed Smith for the three-day game starting on Sunday.

Among the many absentees are Damian Shirazi, Richard Kaufman, David Smith, Luke Ryan and Stuart Hole.

Oxford Downs batsman Richard West and England Under 18 all-rounder Jack Taylor make their debuts, while seamer Smith has played just once before.

Hawtin: “We all know that Keith is having problems with his fitness, but he bowled 22 overs last week.

“We have been struggling with availability and you know what you get with Keith.

“He always gives you 110 per cent and he is still a good bowler.”

West has come through the Oxon ranks and deserves his chance, said Hawtin.

“He did well last year with the Development XI, so it is important we recognise that.

“Hopefully he can bring that form into the full county side.”

As for Taylor, Hawtin said: “He has done very well with Gloucestershire Academy and their second XI.

“He bats as well as bowls off-spin and it will be nice for him to make his debut on his home ground.

“His gradfather, Gordon, is the groundsman, so hopefully he will prepare a suitable wicket!”

Smith has had some disciplinary problems in recent seasons, but now has a chance to demonstrate his talent.

Hawtin said: “There is no doubt he has had some issues. Hopefully he can put them behind him and let his cricket do the talking.

“Ed has bowled with consistency and swung the ball.

“He is someone who is playing Premier League cricket and performing.”

This is the first Championship game Tew have hosted, following a MCCA Trophy match last year.

Dorset finished third behind Buckinghamshire in their MCCA Trophy group and two points behind Oxon in last season’s Western Division table.

Oxfordshire: Sandbach (Oxford), Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Haupt (Banbury), Hawkes (Stony Stratford), Shahbaz Ali (Banbury), West (Oxford Downs), Taylor (Keynsham), Rowe (Swansea), McMahon (Wollaton), E Smith (Banbury), Arnold (Banbury Twenty).