Plunkett injury blow for Durham opener

10:46am Wednesday 16th April 2008

DURHAM'S plans to field virtually a full-strength four-day lineup in their opening first-class fixture against Durham University have been hit by an injury to Liam Plunkett, writes TIM WELLOCK.

He is to have a scan on a side strain while his team-mates begin the three-day game at Riverside today.

Dale Benkenstein arrived from South Africa yesterday and will lead the side, which also includes Michael Di Venuto after he was given clearance by Lord's to play under his Italian passport.

The registration for the one official overseas player, South African Neil McKenzie, was also confirmed yesterday and he will arrive in time for Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy game at home to Yorkshire.

Those not involved at Riverside over the next three days will have two one-day games against Yorkshire at the university's Racecourse ground tomorrow and Friday.

After seeing yesterday's planned friendly against Scotland washed out, coach Geoff Cook said: "We want everyone to get in as much cricket as possible this week.

"It's a question of getting the right balance for them.

"Ben Harmison is in the squad for the three-day match, but he might be better off playing a more prominent role in the oneday games."

If that is the case, Neil Killeen will have the fourth seamer's role today, supporting Steve Harmison, Graham Onions and Mark Davies.

Gordon Muchall has the chance to stake a claim for a middle order place, with the decision yet to be taken on where McKenzie will fit into the line-up.

DURHAM (from): D Benkenstein (capt), M Di Venuto, M Stoneman, K Coetzer, G Muchall, P Mustard, P Wiseman, S Harmison, G Onions, M Davies, N Killeen, B Harmison.

Editor's Choice