SKIPPER Chris Park claimed talks were ongoing to keep spin star Jigar Naik with Dorset next season.

The 33-year old took the minor counties circuit by storm last term after signing for Dorset following his release from Leicestershire.

His off-spin claimed 53 wickets across all formats at an average of just more than 12, with no fewer than five five-wicket hauls.

Those statistics earned Naik Dorset’s player of the year award and he is also set to pick up the minor counties bowler of the year accolade.

Quizzed about the chances of keeping Naik with the Dorset set-up in 2018, Park replied: “It is a long winter and first-class counties are still reviewing their staff lists and their contracted players.

“We are already in talks with Jigar for next season and hopefully things can remain positive that way.

“You do want him to move back into the first-class game, of course you do, but at the same time being selfish as Dorset captain I would love him to stay with us.

“Whether a first-class county is looking for that experienced spin bowler, who knows? That’s down to them, so I can’t comment on that.

“He fitted in brilliantly on and off the pitch last season and was also last man standing at the end-of-season do with all the younger lads!”

Lymington’s Ed Ellis picked up the young player of the year award, with Poole’s Tom Robinson being named the Dorset Leopards player of the year.