DORSET have announced the signing of former Leicestershire batting off-spinner Jigar Naik as their professional for the 2017 season.

The 32-year-old made his first-class debut for Leicestershire in 2006 and was the club’s longest serving player until his exit from Grace Road in September.

Naik was part of the Foxes’ outfit that won the T20 crown in 2011 and, in the longer format, has taken 170 wickets in 77 first-class matches in total.

Confirming the deal to Echosport, Dorset captain Chris Park said: “It’s a massive bonus for us.

“Not only is Jigar a really good club professional for us, he is bringing a wealth of experience and he can both bat and bowl, which is an added bonus.

“He can fit into our middle order and hopefully lead both with bat and ball.”

Park added: “It’s a 12-month thing and he is coming in to help develop the youngsters that we have already got.

“I am really pleased that the committee have supported myself and Paul (Prichard, coach). It’s something we have been shouting for for the last year really, I am looking forward to this season even more now."