SKIPPER Chris Park hailed Bradley Currie and Tom Arnold as two players who have stepped up to the mark in their first seasons of Minor Counties cricket.

Batsman Arnold racked up 343 runs from 10 innings during his first year with Dorset in all formats, while promising seamer Currie has been looked at by the likes of Somerset and Surrey this season.

Speaking about the Currie, who has been playing for Surrey in the ECB Under-17 County Championship final against Lancashire this week, Park said: “For a young left-arm seamer at just 17 years old. In one-day cricket he was fantastic.

“He was economical, never looked flustered or under pressure. On a couple of occasions he bowled right at the death, which he did very well.

“He has continued that confidence into three-day cricket.

“I think he is back down at Millfield School this winter and maybe there will be some news on an academy contract somewhere, because clubs are looking at him.”

Also commenting on Arnold, the captain added: “Tom came in straight away and looked at home and comfortable from his first game in the environment.

“We probably missed him in the last couple of games with the bat. He’s a credit to himself having come in from club cricket to step up to the next level.

“He is going to be a big part of our plans for next year I am sure.”