Day one of Durham’s LV= County Championship match against Surrey may well have been abandoned but news set to enthuse our supporters ahead of day two is that Dale Benkenstein has signed a contract extension with the club.
Benkenstein, who joined Durham in 2005, spoke to Durhamccc.co.uk as the rain fell at The Oval, “The club has pretty much given me a contract until I’m 40. Obviously last year was a good year and I felt good. It’s great to know that I have that security but I will be honest with myself depending on how I’m doing really.
“Every year gives me new obstacles and challenges and I feel fine at the moment and I’m looking forward to the season starting properly, rather than sitting around in all this rain!
“I think the club is in really good shape, it’s been a tough one for them because the older players are still contributing pretty well and to keep everyone going helps to bring through the younger guys. I do think you need to keep the balance; it’s pretty important and sustains you over a long period.
”On a personnel level, while there are bigger achievements in cricket, to become Durham’s leading run scorer was a very proud moment.
“I’ve enjoyed a lot of success as part of a team, but it’s nice to have something to show for that as an individual as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to put a few more runs on to that record over the next few years as well. That’s obviously the intention.
“The club have been brilliant with me and they have given me another three years [including this season] as a player and the way I feel at the moment I believe I can contribute to the team in every single one of them.”
Durham CCC Chief Executive, David Harker, added: “Dale is a fantastic asset to our club, on and off the field. He is passionate about Durham CCC and we’re delighted that he has committed to until the end of 2014. He is respected and admired for his performances as a player but also for his role in the evolution and success of our squad.