BOURNEMOUTH are gearing up for the 2017 campaign with plenty of cause for optimism, chiefly their capture of Australian batsman Corey Sinclair as their overseas star for the season.

The 20-year-old left-hander plays for South Australia Premiership side Sturt Cricket Club where he counts former Aussie Test match speed merchant Shaun Tait among his team-mates.

Sinclair has experience of English conditions, having scored 538 runs at an average of 41.38 during a stint with Devon League outfit Chudleigh last year.

Southern Premier League Division One side Bournemouth are also busy tying up a partnership with Bournemouth University, which will see the club's Chapel Gate ground host university matches.

Highly-qualified university head coach Steve Wilson will become part of Bournemouth's set up.

Two members of last year's Bournemouth – Dom Clutterbuck and Jem Warner – will be targeting first-class debuts this summer after being named in Oxford and Durham University's MCCU squads, respectively.

Bournemouth have started training at Dorset Cricket Centre on Mondays.

"Everything is being put in place for us to have a great season," said captain and director of cricket Chris Park. "One or two more excellent signings are still in the offing and I can't wait to get started."

Any players wanting to attend nets should contact Jon Clutterbuck on 07727191665.