MARTINSTOWN captain Ed Nichols has been called up to the Dorset side for their MCCA Championship match away to Wiltshire on Sunday.

Nichols’ debut for the county team comes during a season in which he has established himself as a playing regular for Dorset Leopards.

The left-handed opening batsman scored a superb unbeaten 56 against the MCC, hitting five fours, and he will have the chance to impress further in Dorset’s second three-day fixture of the season.

Commenting to Echosport on his call-up, Nichols admitted it had been “a shock” to receive a phonecall from team manager Ian Bradley.

He said: “I got a call from the manager yesterday saying a couple of guys were injury doubts. It’s a shock to be honest.

“I’ve put the performances in at the right kinds of games. Certainly I’d like to think I can just grab the chance.

“It just shows that performances can put you in contention for the side. I was involved in the setup during the winter but it’s not something I thought was on the cards.”

Dorset captain Chris Park, who played with Nichols during the Leopards’ win over the MCC at Dorchester Rec earlier this month, was delighted for the Martinstown left-hander, who is set to open the batting with Sam Collins.

He said: “He has impressed us during the winter with his application and his work ethic. He trains harder than most people and he deserves his chance.

“What we have been saying about Dorset lads getting a chance and the Leopards being important, I think it shows in this game with who we have picked, which is brilliant.

“Ed has the right mentality as a batsman, he loves the game and loves batting deliveries. He very much likes to spend time at the crease and that’s what we are looking for in a top order batter.”

“It’s a big opportunity for him and Wiltshire are a good side, so it will be a good examination of his technique in a hard game.

“It will be a really good test for him and one I am sure he is up for,” he added.

Reflecting on Park’s praise, the modest Nichols has his mind firmly set on the job he needs to do on Sunday.

He said: “It’s a great compliment to come from someone of his ability. Having the patience to see the bad balls, as they won’t come as regularly, and seeing off the good spells will be massive.

Asked whether there any one thing that had encouraged his call-up, Nichols believes it more a combination of “factors coming together”.

“I was away in South Africa playing and coaching. Fitness wise I have looked after myself a lot better. I think it’s just a number of factors coming together,” he added.