RAJ Naik will make his three-day debut for Dorset when they clash with Shropshire at Bridgnorth in Minor Counties Championship action tomorrow (11am).
The all-rounder has been in top form for Dorset Premier League leaders Parley this season and was recently described by Blandford skipper Alex White as “probably the best batsman in the league”.
Naik’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and Dorset team manager Sean Walbridge is delighted to welcome him into tomorrow’s squad.
He said: “He has been doing really well for Parley and he is a great all-rounder.
“Raj will add strength to our batting and can also bowl off-spin so we’re pleased to get him on board. Hopefully he will take his good form for Parley into the game with Shropshire.”
Dorset enter the clash with early Western Division pacesetters Shropshire on the back of their MCCA Trophy exit at the hands of Wiltshire.
Tomorrow’s hosts beat Wiltshire in their opening match of the championship campaign and Walbridge, whose side drew their first encounter with Berkshire after heavy rain fall, is fully aware of Shropshire’s strengths.
He added: “Shropshire look like they are going to be one of the sides to beat this year. They have got a strong side so it should be an interesting game.
“They beat Wiltshire in their first game so they have got off to a really good start and I’m sure they will look to build on that.
“We were pleased with the way we played in our opening game against Berkshire and hopefully we’ll be able to put the disappointment of last week’s defeat behind us by getting a win on the board.”
Dorset will be without skipper Tom Hicks, Rich Banham and Simon Watkins due to other commitments but taking their places are Naik, Josh Lawrence and Eric Linge.
Walbridge said: “We try to base our side on being well-balanced, which I believe we have done.
“We’ve got three seamers in the side and if it turns on the second or third day then we’ve got three spinners as well, so we’ve got the bases covered.”
Dorset: N Park, C Morgan, A Williams, G Treagus, D Cowley, J Lawrence, C Park, R Naik, M Metcalfe, E Denham, E Linge, T Jacques.
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