Cricket
Benkenstein rejoins Dolphins
2010-01-05 12:09
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Durban - Dale Benkenstein has signed for the Dolphins as the overseas professional for the rest of the Durban-based team’s limited-overs campaign this season.
The Dolphins secured Benkenstein’s services after Shahid Afridi, who was due to join the team for the Standard Bank Pro20, failed to secure his release from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The 35-year-old Benkenstein was a Dolphins stalwart before he signed with English county Durham as a Kolpak player in 2005.
The middle-order batsman, who was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2009, has played 23 one-day internationals for South Africa but last represented his country in 2002.
“It’s fantastic to have Dale back in our fold. He is an experienced player who has played all over the world with success. He will help us in our current campaign and assist our young players in their development.
“His knowledge of local conditions is a huge plus for us,” Graham Ford, the Dolphins’ coach, said in a statement.
Benkenstein captained Durham to their first county Championship in 2008 and he led Natal to a domestic double in the 2001/2 season.
The Michaelhouse old boy is a more than useful medium-pace bowler who has captured 93 first-class wickets at an average of 34.75 but it is with the bat that he has shone.
In 209 first-class matches the right-hander has scored 12 901 runs at an average of 46.4.
“Dale has a proven track record as a player and a leader and we are extremely excited to have secured his services,” said Dolphins CEO Jesse Chellan.
“He strengthens our top order batting, complementing Imraan Khan, Loots Bosman and Ahmed Amla. He adds great leadership backbone, which will undoubtedly help our youngsters mature and grow,” Chellan added.
Benkenstein has been included in the Dolphins squad to take on the Nashua Cape Cobras in an MTN40 match in Durban on Wednesday.