DORSET have called up Bournemouth batsman Ben Bridgen for their penultimate three-day game of the season against Wales, starting in Abergavenny tomorrow (11am).

Debutant Bridgen has been in good form for the Chapel Gate outfit in recent weeks, including a solid knock of 89 for the Lions against Hursley Park last weekend.

He comes into the XI to replace all-rounder and previous Dorset skipper Tom Hicks, who is unavailable.

Former Wimborne & Colehill opener Bridgen was part of a group of Dorset players who had the rare opportunity to train together earlier this week, and skipper Chris Park believes that the spirit in the camp is strong.

“We rarely have the chance to get together outside of games in the summer, but we met up to chat about a few things and get prepared which was really good,” said Park.

Commenting on Bridgen, the skipper added: “Ben has been on the radar since the start of the season.

“With Tom unavailable this week, we felt we needed to strengthen in the batting department a little bit. It’s not a like-for-like replacement but it’s another chance for a Dorset lad to experience Minor Counties Cricket.”

Dorset: (from) Khan, Porter, Scott, Webb, Lintott, Bridgen, Park, Wolstenholme, Kitson,Thomson, Hayman.