MARTIN Miller dropped to Bournemouth's second team for the first time in six years and then admitted he had not deserved to retain his place.

The Chapel Gate skipper will travel to Bramshaw tomorrow in a bid to boost his efforts with the willow following a disappointing start to the campaign.

Poole-born Miller, widely recognised as an opening batsman, has failed to score more than three runs in any of Bournemouth's six Southern Premier League fixtures.

The 44-year-old dropped down the order for last week's win at Hook & Newnham Basics but was dismissed after just three balls with no runs to his name.

And Miller feels the time is right to relinquish his first-team place for tomorrow's Division One clash at home to third-placed Basingstoke & North Hants (1pm), the experienced campaigner hoping for a timely confidence boost in the seconds.

He told the Daily Echo: "From a personal perspective, at the moment I am the weakest man in the team.

"I've scored 11 runs in six innings and if that was anyone else in the side I would be having a word with them and telling them to play in the twos and get some runs.

"The thought of ringing mates up and telling them they are in the twos and that I am staying even though I am having a nightmare with the bat – no. It was time for me to drop down to the twos.

"Just because you are captain, doesn't mean you are immune from the selection process. And I'm no Mike Brearley!

"We haven't had a decent opening partnership all year until Saturday when I dropped myself down the order. Given the boys did well at the top of the order, I thought I would be better off having a knock in the seconds.

"It's about competition for places and I'm a big fan of that. I have to abide by the same rules I set everyone else, so it's my turn.

"I just need to get some runs because you can't carry anyone at this level."

Dorset skipper Chris Park, a winter recruit, will take over the captaincy in Miller's absence but the latter is hoping for a swift return.

Miller said: "As far as I'm concerned, it's probably just for a week. Hopefully, it will be temporary but we'll see.

"I have a ready-made deputy captain in Chris Park and that was a no-brainer for me. The team is in very capable hands."

Park added: "I'm looking forward to taking charge for the first time this weekend.

"It's just a case of filling in. Martin wants to have a bat and get a score so fingers crossed he can get himself back into the team the following week."

Dom Clutterbuck and Andy Woodward are available for Bournemouth.

Lions: Bridgen, Matthews, Hurley, C Park, Urankar, Bollom, Lombard, Clutterbuck, Pack, Warner, Woodward.