CHRIS Park insisted Dorset will play their are putting out their “strongest side” when they get their MCCA Knockout Trophy campaign underway against Berkshire tomorrow (11am).

Professional players Max Waller (Somerset) and Lewis McManus (Hampshire) are both available for the season opener having been given permission by their respective counties to play.

Youth and experience makes up the rest of a squad that has been severely hampered by bad weather during pre-season.

Despite his side’s lack of preparation the captain is happy with the squad at his disposal.

He said: “Coming into our first competitive game, we wanted to select our strongest XI that can win the game.

“Having the two professionals available is a huge bonus for us.

“We’ve got all our bases covered. We have three good spinners, three and seamers that I can rely on and have that experience.”

Park is expecting a tough start to the campaign against Berkshire, who topped their knockout group last year.

“Berkshire They are a very strong side,” he explained. “But they did lose a friendly against Wiltshire last weekend.

“They’ve benefitted from a game out on grass and we haven’t, but the y did loss and that will be hanging over them.

“Our squad will play for get a game with their club today so I don’t want anyone blaming our results on pre-season.”

Dorset squad to face Berkshire: Khan, McManus, Waller, Scott, Porter, Webb, Park (Capt) (wk), Wolstenholme, Thomson, Hayman, Lilley, Digby