CAPTAIN Luke Webb revealed Bournemouth team-mate Simon Woodruff would return to the Dorset squad and insisted: “He deserves his place.”

The Lions all-rounder comes in for the minor counties side’s fourth Unicorns Championship test of the summer, starting at Cornwall on Sunday (11am).

Woodruff has picked up 10 Southern Premier League wickets for Bournemouth this season, while also scoring 198 runs with the bat.

He has previously featured in Championship games against Wiltshire and Devon.

Webb told the Daily Echo: “Simon is coming into the team. He has had an excellent season with the ball and is a talented batsman, he will play as an all-rounder and it’s well deserved.

“He has worked really hard and I know how hungry he has been to push for a place in the side. He has got some good players out this season, is bowling very attacking areas and he deserves his place.

“With the bat he can always be a very exciting player, so I am excited to welcome him into the team.

“I am constantly monitoring the clubs around the area but, seeing Simon bowl every week, he is doing well. He did have back problems but he has got better and better as the season has gone on.”

Dorset sit second in the Western Division standings following a draw and two wins in the red-ball format.

They have also reached finals day in the Unicorns T20 competition and are set to take on Lincolnshire in the semi-final at Wormsley on Sunday, August 25.

Webb added: “We are halfway through the Championship season now and are pretty well-placed. I am very happy with where we are at.

“Prich (Paul Prichard, coach) has spoken to us about winning being a habit. Whether it is T20 cricket, a pre-season friendly or whatever format, it goes through the squad.

"Taking the momentum we had from the T20 – although it’s a different team with different faces at times – that winning mentality has carried through.

“Winning just gives everyone massive confidence and we go into the Cornwall game even more confident than we were before. It’s a really good place to be at the moment. It’s great to be up there and competing going into the second half of the season.

“Finishing in the top half qualifies us for Division One (for next season) but if we can get another win and see where we are, it’s really exciting.”

Hosts Cornwall have won one of their opening three contests.