HEAD coach Paul Prichard believes Max Waller can add a “great dimension” for Dorset after being appointed as the county’s senior professional.

Waller, who was raised in Highcliffe and played in the Southern League for Bashley, is on the playing staff at Somerset, having signed a new contract at the end of last season.

The wrist-spinner has gained a reputation as a T20 specialist and is Somerset’s second highest wicket-taker in the history of the format.

Millfield School and Bournemouth University-educated, Waller made his first-class debut for Somerset in 2009 and has made 69 appearances in the T20.

The 28-year-old will divide his time between playing for Somerset and Dorset, and Prichard thinks he will prove to be a great fit for the county.

Waller, who has continued to represent Dorset during his time on the county scene, featuring in their 2010 Minor Counties title campaign, will provisionally be available for 18 days over the coming season.

Former Essex skipper Prichard told the Daily Echo: “He is a Dorset lad and predominantly plays one-day cricket with Somerset so ticked all my boxes in what we are striving to do. We are trying to keep things within the county.

“I am good friends with Matt Maynard, who is head coach at Somerset, so rang him and asked whether we would be able to have Max when he is not playing for them, fitness and everything else taken into account.

“I had a good meeting with Matt and Max and he was very happy to come and play as our pro, as and when he can.

“He is seen as more of a one-day player at Somerset but they are keen for him to develop his game in the red-ball format as well.

“At Minor Counties level, he will be a very good all-rounder. He is not only a bowler but a batter as well so will add a great dimension for us in the longer game as well as the shorter game.”

Dorset are also hoping to be able to call on former Parley quickie Tom Barber, who was released by Hampshire at the end of last season.

The Poole-born 20-year-old announced himself to the first-class game by dismissing Kane Williamson and Andrew Gale in consecutive deliveries in a Royal London 50-over match against Yorkshire last season.

Prichard added: “I have seen quite a bit of Tom since his release from Hampshire and he has a great attitude. He wants to get back into the pro game and quite rightly so.

“He is a left-arm bowler who bowls with pace and that is quite fashionable at the moment. Lots of teams are looking for left-arm bowlers to bring on and make them into first-class cricketers.

“Tom is having a look-in with Somerset at the moment so we will keep an eye on him and see how he gets along trying to get back into the first-class game. We will be happy to have him in our squad at any stage and to help in his development.”

Dorset are due to play 50-overs-a-side friendlies against Wiltshire at South Wilts on Saturday, April 9 and against Bournemouth at Chapel Gate seven days later (11am start).

Their first competitive match takes place against Berkshire at Falkland in the Unicorns Knockout Trophy on Sunday, April 24.