Benkenstein linked with Durham move

Dale Benkenstein is poised to sign to Durham © Cricinfo

The South African batsman Dale Benkenstein has agreed a contract with Durham for 2005. Durham, whose director Geoff Cook is out of the country at the moment, wouldn't comment on the matter, but according to a report on BBC Online, Benkenstein's signing will be confirmed when Durham have completed the registration process.

Benkenstein, 30, has played 23 one-day internationals for South Africa, including the final of the first ICC Champions Trophy in 1998-99 at Dhaka. Under the Kolpak ruling, he will not count as one of Durham's overseas players - the Australians Mike Hussey and Ashley Noffke already fill those berths.

Benkenstein has over 6000 first-class runs, with a top score of 259 against Northerns in 2002-03, and was captain of KwaZulu-Natal. He currently plays for the Dolphins in the SuperSport Series.