By Bibhash Dash
Former Durham batsman Dale Benkenstein has confirmed his retirement from playing cricket, after completing his first season as Hampshire coach.
Benkenstein, who played for South Africa, became Durham’s all-time leading run-scorer and enjoyed County Championship glory as well.
He joined Hampshire as coach in February after 10 years with Durham, and led the south coast side to the LV= County Championship Division Two titlein his debut coaching season.
With a T20 finals day appearance also gracing his coaching CV, Benkenstein has called time on his playing career without having featured for Hampshire.
Benkenstein, who racked up 23 one-day internationals for South Africa, said: “I would like to thank my father for all the hours he spent teaching and coaching the game with me when I was younger and the many inspirational coaches that helped me mould my game; Graham Ford, Phil Russell, Geoff Cook, Bob Woolmer and my school coach at Michaelhouse, Andy Cook.
“I am fortunate to be with Hampshire and I am looking forward to the challenges that the first division will throw at us next year.
“It’s been an amazing 21 years and I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”
Besides his county achievements as a player, Benkenstein also boasts 99 T20 matches under his belt with 21 wickets and 1,769 runs with six half-centuries.