DORSET Leopards’ debutant Matt Randell admits he was “shocked” to receive a call-up to the development side for their match against an MCC XI at Dorchester Rec today (11am).

Randell, who skippers Portland Red Triangle in County Division One, is joined by Triangle team-mate Simon Proffitt and Dorchester all-rounder Simon Mitchem in the 11-man squad.

However, despite scoring runs in the Dorchester Evening League for St George’s this season, Randell did not hide his surprise at earning selection having accumulated just 88 runs in four Portland innings this campaign.

He told Echosport: “I was a little bit shocked, to be honest. I haven’t really scored many runs this year, so I was surprised.

“I feel quite good with the evening league (runs). We play a lot of cricket (at the Rec) and I’ve scored some runs there this season, so that adds a little bit more confidence and will make it a bit easier.”

Meanwhile, Dorchester’s Mitchem will again line up for the Leopards having been a regular in the squad in recent seasons.

The fixture against the MCC is the second to be staged at the Rec in two years after Leopards won by six wickets in 2017.

Mitchem said: “Obviously, I’m really pleased to be selected again. Any form of representative cricket is always a good thing.

“It’s really nice to play at home, there’s a great atmosphere down there. Hopefully it will be a similar type of occasion to what it was last year. I want to go out there, perform well and maintain my selection. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the Leopards and I’d like that to continue.”

Both Randell and Mitchem believe their selections are good news for local cricketers.

Randell said: “It’s really good – the local teams look at it and think everyone’s got a chance in the county.”

Mitchem added: “It’s good that local guys are getting a chance – it’s their chance to perform.”

Leopards: E Bartlett, G Bartlett, Fisher, Hayman, O Legg, Mitchem, Perrin, Proffitt, Randell, Thompson, Wilson