DURHAM yesterday confirmed the signing of South African one-day international Dale Benkenstein on a three-year contract - and also announced they will be taking a first-class game to Stockton next season.

Their interest in Benkenstein was exclusively revealed in Echo Sport at the end of last season, but it has taken until now to complete the formalities.

The former KwaZulu Natal captain has been appearing for his province as an overseas player this season because of his move to Durham.

Born in Harare, the 30-year-old batsman could have been taken on as a "Kolpak" signing, but he also qualifies as an EU passport-holder.

He will be Durham's third such signing in addition to West Indian Gareth Breese and Western Australia seamer Calum Thorp.

Benkenstein, also an occasional bowler of medium pace and off-spin, played in 23 one-day internationals from 1998-2001.

Durham coach Martyn Moxon said: "Dale's signing adds valuable experience to the squad. He is a quality performer who will play an important role both on and off the field."

Durham are to play their four-day championship match against Somerset, starting on May 6, at Stockton, despite the fact that it should have been Darlington's turn to stage a game.

Durham have a good record at Feethams and beat Derbyshire there in 2002 before returning to Stockton for the first time for four years when Worcestershire were the visitors in 2003.

But Darlington spokesman John Edwardson indicated the cost of staging a first-class game was a deterrent, saying: "There is a lot of work involved and it can be a struggle to break even. We have been offered a game between Durham and one of the United Arab Emirates, plus a second team game early in the season."

Stockton treasurer Ray Waite said: "We are delighted to be hosting Durham again. We are fortunate to receive the full backing of our members, many of whom give up their free time to assist with the preparations.

"We have always been proud of the support we receive from the cricket lovers in the area and will be working as hard as possible to make Somerset's trip one to be remembered."

Durham played all their matches at Riverside last season, but taking an early-season match to an outground will allow the groundstaff more time to prepare the pitch for the Test against Bangladesh on June 3-7.

Chief executive David Harker said: "We are delighted to be making first-class cricket more accessible to people in the south of the region. Feedback from our members and the public is encouraging towards cricket at outgrounds."

* Bangladesh gave themselves a chance of winning their one-day series against Zimbabwe by completing a 40-run victory in the third match at Chittagong.

The Tigers, who wrapped up a 1-0 Test series win over the tourists earlier this month, suffered a miserable start to the one-dayers - losing the first clash in Dhaka by 22 runs and the second in Chittagong by 31.

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