DORSET skipper Chris Park revealed he had earmarked Bournemouth team-mate Luke Webb as a future Minor Counties captain.

The Lions batsman was awarded with his county cap during Dorset’s 162-run loss to Shropshire at Chapel Gate last week.

Webb has played 25 Championship matches, scoring 1,250 runs at an average of just more than 28.

He tops the county scoring charts across all formats this summer, with 629 runs in 19 innings, including six half-centuries.

The 22-year-old is set to be involved as Dorset battle Devon at Sidmouth in a three-day encounter, starting tomorrow (11am).

Asked whether he could see Webb leading the county in the future, Park said: “Absolutely, with how he has acted over the past couple of years and how he carries himself.

“He has captained a few T20 games as well as some one-day friendlies earlier in the season. From what I have seen, I am very happy with how he is potentially going to take on a leadership role.”

On capping the former Bashley batsman, the wicketkeeper added: “It was my call. I put him forward to the committee and the final decision was mine.

“It is done on performances but is also a nice reward for the past six years for him. He has played 25 Championship games now and scored more than 1,000 runs.“Webby is having a very good season and, being my vice-captain, it was the right time to reward him.

“The past two seasons he has matured unbelievably well. He is the leader of the batting line-up.”

Webb has also been in sublime form in club cricket since signing for Bournemouth in June. He has totalled 367 runs for Lions at an average of 73.

Dorset are unchanged against a Devon side who are yet to win in the Championship this summer.