Skipper Rob Williams revealed that Oxfordshire had considered fielding an overseas player for tomorrow's NatWest Trophy second round tie but only in the event of veteran seamer Keith Arnold being unavailable.

Oxon travel to Cardiff to play Wales Minor Counties at Sofia Gardens, where they will come up against West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons the star of their victory over Buckinghamshire in the first round.

"The idea of getting a quick bowler in was mooted," said Williams. "But we felt it was only worthwhile in Arnie's absence."

"Nobody of Simmons's stature plays in the Cherwell League, and the Aussies and South Africans are unknown quantities at this stage of the season. "In any case, what would we have stood to gain? We view the NatWest as a reward for those who play the whole season. What you might gain from an overseas player in terms of ability, you might lose in morale."

Arnold, who has moved from Walsall to Leamington in the Birmingham League this season, is available to spearhead Oxon's attack.

They were hoping to persuade Graham Savin, who is not playing Minor Counties cricket this season, to turn out tomorrow for this one game, but were unsuccessful. So they will be looking to another all-rounder, South African Craig Haupt, to shine.

Manager Alan Crossley admitted he was worried about the strength in depth of their bowling attack. Mike Bellhouse, Luke List, Haupt and Stewart Laudat will turn their arms over in support of front-liners Keith Arnold and Paul Jeacock.

Charlie Knightley, Oxon's leading run scorer last season, is unavailable due to work commitments.

If Oxon win, they will play Essex at Banbury on Wednesday, June 21.