DORSET have co-opted vastly-experienced all-rounder Darren Cowley on to their selection committee this season.

The 28-year-old will join skipper Peter Deakin, vice-captain Tom Hicks, team manager Sean Walbridge and committee members Ken House and Peter Moxom on a six-man panel.

Cowley, the son of former Hampshire star Nigel Cowley, has been one of Dorset's leading lights with both bat and ball since joining the county in 2000.

The big-hitting left-hander again finished top of their Minor Counties Champion-ship batting averages last season and was also second in the bowling charts.

He also holds the record for Dorset's highest individual score in the Knockout Cup competition having plundered 141 against the Hampshire Board in 2000.

Cowley sat with the committee for the first time last week to help select the Dorset squad for their MCCA Knockout Cup clash against Cornwall at Dean Park on Sunday (May 15, 11am).

Walbridge said: "We haven't got a coach this season so we've brought Darren on to the selection committee. He will come into the think-tank and the four of us will be working very closely on team selection."

Newly-appointed skipper Deakin, who will led Dorset into battle against the Duchy, has replaced Wal-bridge after he was forced to call an end to his playing days due to an eye injury.

Walbridge added: "Peter is going to be a very good appointment. He's certainly got the experience from his background of playing for Lancashire seconds and as a schoolteacher at Charter-house. He's also at the right age to take on the captaincy and will be more than ably supported by Tom Hicks."