DORSET skipper Chris Park insisted that club professional Jigar Naik has had a big impact on the squad already, without even playing a game.

Former Leicestershire stalwart Naik, 32, was a big-name signing for Dorset over the winter and has been working with the side in preparation for their upcoming Minor Counties campaign.

The batting off-spinner is set to play his first game for his new county when they host Wiltshire at North Perrott Cricket Club in a friendly on Monday (11am).

Asked about Naik ahead of his opening game, captain Park told Echosport: “He has fitted in really well from the start and he is a top, top bloke. I am looking forward to him getting started.

“The standards he sets without even having to say anything are huge. We did a slip catching drill in our last session and he was unbelievable.

“Where I suppose club cricketers are expected to drop the odd slip catch, he took a couple of absolute worldies and that has a knock-on effect to the young guys who want to replicate that and try to impress Jigar himself.”

Park added: “His words of encouragement for a young bowler, or even a senior bowler, could help with things they could do differently.

“Already, in our last session, he was talking to Mark Wolstenholme, our opening bowler, about how to shine the ball differently.

“That’s how the cricket world lives really and how different drills start.

“Those small gains and small advantages are massive. It gives us something a little bit different and keeps things fresh.”

On the side’s preparations as a whole, Park is optimistic about how Dorset have prepared for the campaign.

“I am happy with where we are and it will be nice to get outside for our first run-out together,” he added.

“Wiltshire are obviously a local rival and we beat them in the one-day quarter-final at North Perrott last season. They are a good side.”

Another boost for Dorset could also come to fruition, as Park hinted that Somerset leg-spinner Max Waller could once again be part of their squad in the limited overs format.

“Things are looking good that Max could be involved with quite a lot of our one-day cricket early in the season,” he added.

Last year’s vice-captain Masoor Khan is not expected to be part of the Dorset set-up this term.

*Park also wishes to thank the club’s sponsors for their support this season.

They include The Angel, Poole as the main sponsor. Norman Motors and Richard Stanley Associates.