DURHAM are poised to sign South Africa one-day international Dale Benkenstein in addition to their two new overseas players for next season, Mike Hussey and Ashley Noffke.

Born in Zimbabwe, the 30-year-old former Natal captain has played in 23 one-day matches for South Africa with a top score of 69, but has not appeared for almost two years.

Although he bowls occasional off-spin or medium pace, he is primarily a batsman and recently scored a century for Durham in a Second X1 Championship match.

He has played for Natal for ten years and has a first-class average of 41.91 with a top score of 259. He has also taken 31 wickets at 40.16.

Durham are keen to add experience to their squad and will be able to take on Benkenstein as a Kolpak signing.

There was supposed to have been an agreement between counties last year that this would not happen, but Leicestershire failed to honour it as they signed South African spinner Claude Henderson. Others are now following suit with Essex bringing in Zimbabwean Grant Flower to join his brother Andy. Neither will be classed as overseas players.

There is some doubt about the future of Nicky Peng with Durham as he is believed to be disillusioned after losing his place in the championship team.

Other counties are also showing an interest in Andrew Pratt, who has also lost his four-day place but is still considered one of the best wicketkeepers in the country.

Durham have always insisted they came into first-class cricket to give local talent a chance and they had seven home-grown players in the side which beat Yorkshire at Scarborough last week.

But with Jamaican Gareth Breese certain to be offered an extended contract, there could be three overseas men in the top six next season.

That would leave Peng, Gary Pratt, Gordon Muchall, Kyle Coetzer and James Lowe battling with current captain Jon Lewis for three places.

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