NEW Durham skipper Dale Benkenstein is not expected to arrive at Chester-le-Street until a few days before the first match following a successful season in South Africa.

He finished third in the national batting averages in helping Dolphins to the final of the main first-class event, the SuperSport Series, in which they will play Titans on April 6-10.

Durham's first match starts at Canterbury on April 19, which is four days after England's seventh and final one-day international in India.

In 13 SuperSport innings Benkenstein scored 497 runs at an average of 62.12 and also took 16 wickets at 27.12, which is good news for Durham as a shoulder injury prevented him from bowling in the second half of last summer.

In the Carib Beer series, Gareth Breese was Jamaica's leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets at 24.25, but averaged only 11.2 with the bat.

Mike Hussey's replacement at Durham, Jimmy Maher, was not the only Queensland player to score a double century in the Pura Cup final against Victoria at Brisbane.

Shane Watson retired because of cramp on 201 yesterday as Queensland piled up 900 for six declared in reply to 344, then reduced Victoria to 38 for two in their second innings. The match finishes today.

There was more agony for Durham's Mick Lewis, who removed Maher but finished with one for 156, while Yorkshire's Craig White took none for 139.

Hussey, currently playing in the second Test in South Africa, yesterday spoke of his regret that Cricket Australia will not release him to lead Durham this season.

"Last year at Durham was one of the most enjoyable I have had as a cricketer," he said. "The group of players and the atmosphere at the club was unbelievable and to achieve the success we did was fantastic.

"It is unfortunate that by achieving my dream of playing for Australia I can't return to Durham. I have unfinished business at the Riverside and hopefully I can return in the future. With Martyn Moxon and Dale Benkenstein in charge the team could not be in better hands."

After signing Maher, Moxon said: "We moved quickly to secure the services of a top-class opener who has experience of English conditions and is available for the whole season. Jimmy made a lasting impression during his time with us last year."

On Benkenstein's captaincy, Moxon added: "Dale skippered the side with distinction when Mike was away last year. He is a natural leader and the players respect him because he leads from the front. I have no doubt the team will continue to develop under his leadership."