Benkenstein off to Canada
Dale Benkenstein has pulled out of the South Africa 'A' one-day series against India 'A' next month because he is already committed to spending the next six months playing in Canada.
Benkenstein, who has enjoyed an outstanding first-class season for the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins, averaging 49 and scoring two big centuries against Free State and Western Province and a superb 90 against Eastern Province, captained South Africa 'A' in their first encounter against the Australians in Potchefstroom but was then summarily dumped as skipper for their second match in Port Elizabeth.
It has been a frustrating season for the KZN skipper during which players with a fraction of his experience and success have jumped above him into national prominence.
However, the convenor of the national selectors, Rushdi Magiet, announced on Monday that Benkenstein would skipper the 'A' team in three one-day matches against India 'A', while HD Ackerman would captain the team in the two four-day matches.
"I phoned Rushdi and said my travel plans couldn't be changed.
"He said that was fine, thanked me for the call and said he would announce another captain in due course," Benkenstein said last night.
The Dolphins, under Benkenstein's fine leadership, have won the Standard Bank Cup and, after beating Western Province by 159 runs in Cape Town on Tuesday, will host Northerns in the SuperSport Series final next month, giving them the opportunity of achieving the double for the first time since1996/7.
Benkenstein last visited Canada two years ago when he coached the national team before the International Cricket Council Trophy competition in which Canada finished third.
They have now qualified for the World Cup in South Africa next year.
Benkenstein will spend the next six months in Canada playing for the Toronto Cricket Club.
His departure date, organised a long time ago,will be on April 16, the day after the SuperSport Series final is scheduled to finish and before the SA 'A' team's one-day series against the touring Indians.