DORSET will tomorrow have to make do without spinning star Max Waller – but the Bashley man has a good excuse for his non-appearance.

Waller, 21, this week made his first-class debut in Somerset’s County Championship Division One victory against Sussex at Hove, meaning he is unavailable for Dorset’s Minor Counties trip to Devon.

But there are certainly no hard feelings from Dorset boss Sean Walbridge, who described the news as “absolutely fantastic”.

While Waller, speaking to the Echo after taking two wickets on the second day’s play – his maiden first-class victim being West Indies batsman Dwayne Smith, could barely hide his delight.

Waller, who finished with match figures of three for 57, said: “The call up was not out of the blue because I was hoping and I thought I might be travelling, but I didn’t know I’d be playing.

“It was nerve-wracking but I’ve been in that company before and was thinking that I’d done it before and hopefully I could do a job, like in the Twenty20.”

The Bournemouth University student made a big impact during Somerset’s early Twenty20 matches and is contracted to the county until the end of the season.

He is hoping to earn a new deal after admitting he loves life at Taunton.

“I wanted to play professional cricket and to get the opportunity is brilliant,” he said.

“I’m just trying to do as well as I can for Somerset and keep the spinning spot in the side.”

Waller gets the opportunity to play alongside some of world’s top names at Somerset, with Marcus Trescothick and Justin Langer heading their batting line-up.

“Those guys are very down to earth,” said Waller.

“To play with those guys is very special and it’s a great experience and a great feeling.

“It’s good to talk to Justin Langer because he’s got good ideas and has played with Shane Warne.

“They are good to chat to and more than happy to help.”

Waller is hoping to feature when Somerset’s Twenty20 matches start again on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Dorset aim to build on their victory over Oxfordshire when they travel to Torquay to face Devon in the Western Division.

Walbridge has made two changes to his side for the three-day match, with Waller and Mitch Wilson (exams) replaced by Bashley’s Chris Jones and Bournemouth’s Matt Metcalfe.

Dorset: Treagus, N Park, C Jones, Williams, Baker, C Park, Hicks, Metcalfe, S Jones, Denham, Warren.