DORSET skipper Chris Park has not ruled out the possibility of record-breaking batsman Chris Jones turning out for the county this season.

The former Somerset ace, who retired from the first-class game last year to pursue a career outside of cricket, held talks with Dorset head coach Alan Willows over the winter about a return to the county set-up.

Speaking about the possibility of the 24-year-old rejoining the squad, captain Park told Echosport: “Things are progressing nicely with Chris.

“Alan Willows had a chat with him over the winter. He is actually away at the moment in Vietnam but is coming back for the summer and doesn’t start his new job in London until September, so it is perfect for the season.

“Another conversation is likely to happen with him in the next couple of weeks and it could look more and more positive.”

The talented run-getter, who was raised in Dorset, hit his maiden first-class century against Australia in a tour match at Taunton in 2013 against a bowling attack featuring the likes of international stars Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon.

In a Dorset shirt, Jones produced innings of 175 and 188 to register a record-breaking haul against Shropshire in 2012.

Dorset have also been back in pre-season training over the last month and were put through their paces by Middlesex head coach Richard Scott, father of all-rounder Ryan Scott.

On their preparations, wicket-keeper batsman Park added: “We got together and had Richard down which was fantastic.

“He gave us a different voice to listen to and we focused on our batting for both one-day and three-day cricket, which was excellent. We also had a little fitness test as well.

“That session was fantastic and we have taken things to work on going into the next sessions this month.”

Dorset will also continue to play their cricket at Dean Park this summer alongside Parley after an initial six-month lease agreement was made with new owners Park School.

Park’s men will also host a T20 warm-up game with Hampshire on Monday, May 4.