DORSET skipper Chris Park is excited to see how his charges shape up against star-studded opposition, as Dorset clash with Hampshire in T20 action at Bashley this evening (5pm).

The sides battled at Dean Park last summer in a contest that was a big occasion for the host county and Park is hoping his players give their professional counterparts a strong test to “keep this fixture in the diary for years to come”.

Speaking ahead of the showcase event, he told Echosport: “A lot of the boys actually know Hampshire quite well having been part of the Hampshire academy, with the likes of Luke Webb, Ryan Scott and Michael Porter.

“They are looking forward to it and we have grown up and played against a lot of their current squad.

“It’s obviously part of their warm up and T20 practice but, as a minor county, it’s great to play against a professional side and we are looking forward to playing against a quality Hampshire team."

The Dorset captain indicated spinner Sam Thomson is unavailable for the fixture, so Dorset are expected to go into the clash with a squad of 13 – all of which are set to play a part.

The Ageas Bowl outfit’s initial squad had included batsman James Vince, who has since been called up to England squad for the first test against Sri Lanka at Headingley.

Nevertheless, the likes of Hampshire’s Jimmy Adams, Michael Carberry, Liam Dawson, Reece Topley, Sean Ervine and Chris Wood have also been listed.

Park added: “In a friendly situation against a professional side I think it’s fair we give everyone a taste of it really. I’m not sure how the logistics are going to work but we have a mixture of batters and bowlers.

“We are probably looking to play with 13 just to give the young lads that experience. I think Hampshire are going to play with 12.

“We are looking forward to playing against them and giving them the best test possible so we can keep this fixture in the diary for years to come.”