DORSET batsman Alex Eckland will get the chance to face Wales on his home North Perrott ground in the MCCA Unicorns Championship Western Division tomorrow (11am).

Eckland has been the star performer with the willow for Dorset this season, racking up 577 runs in all representative competitions – 356 of those in the three-day format.

Eckland’s inclusion in the squad was never in doubt, but Dorset have the added luxury of naming an unchanged side to take on the Welsh, who lie second from bottom with just 34 points from four games.

Conversely, Dorset are unbeaten in third with two wins and two draws having collected 64 points. Leaders Berkshire have a 100 per cent record, amassing 92 points in the process.

Last time out, Dorset drew with Cornwall at Redruth, while Wales defeated Wiltshire by an impressive 139 runs.

Captain Luke Webb believes Dorset run-getter Eckland has “matured” in the Minor Counties arena this season.

Asked about the 20-year-old, Webb told the Echo: “He has been fantastic this season. He has really matured as a minor counties cricketer.

“We have known how good he was since he started playing for us but the past year or so he has really kicked on.

“I think it’s just a case that he learned his game a bit more. He spent last winter in Australia and no doubt that has helped him progress.

“The challenge for him now is to keep backing that up.”

Dorset go into their fifth red-ball contest of the summer third in the Western Division - unbeaten with two wins and two draws.

Asked whether remaining undefeated in the longer format had now been the main task, Webb replied: “With two games left it has to be the aim now, regardless of the opposition.

“I think if we play our best cricket for six more days then there is absolutely no reason why we can’t.”

Dorset close their league campaign with a trip to league leaders Berkshire.

Dorset: Webb, Turner, Eckland, Matthews, Ellis, S Currie, Fisher, Digby, Woodruff, B Currie, Naik