CHRIS Park says Dorset are focused on unearthing diamonds from within the county – rather than looking further afield.

Captain Park and head coach Paul Prichard are keen to offer chances to the best Dorset has to offer, including promising youngsters coming through the ranks.

Former Essex skipper Prichard, appointed as Alan Willows's successor during the winter, has been the driving force behind a new focus to select local players, with Poole-born Park very much in agreement.

Park told the Daily Echo: "Prich has come in and been a breath of fresh air. Over the next three or four years he is looking to transform Dorset cricket from top to bottom.

"He has lots of energy and enthusiasm and is getting his teeth stuck into the development pathway from under-nine level right through to the first team.

"We have spent a lot of time discussing the pathway and have come up with the selection criteria that we want homegrown players to play for Dorset.

"Being a Dorset boy myself, I am right behind that. We want to be true to ourselves.

"There are some talented players in the county age group squads and it's a case of trying to keep them in the pathway.

"We will also be keeping our ears to the ground with regards the Southern Premier League and Dorset Premier League. We will be studying early-season form – it is not a closed shop by any stretch.

"I'm sure there will be one or two faces which creep in over the season."

Dorset travel to Falkland Cricket Club to take on Berkshire in their first Unicorns Knockout Trophy Group One fixture tomorrow (11am).

Highcliffe-raised wrist-spinner Max Waller, who is on the playing staff at Somerset, has been included in the side.

Poole-born wicketkeeper-batsman Lewis McManus is also due to play after being given the green light by Hampshire.

Dorset: (from) Khan, McManus, Waller, Scott, Porter, Webb, Park, Wolstenholme, Thomson, Hayman, Lilley, Digby.