County Cricket / Paul Moon / 12 April 2010 /

Winners of the last two County Championships, Durham have all the tools to make it three in a row with a team that lacks superstars but nothing in terms of desire, composure and hard work says Paul Moon.

Durham CCC became the first new first-class county for 70 years when they joined the County Championship in 1992. Last year they won the competition for the second successive season. The speed in which they adjusted before achieving success has been quite remarkable and they have not received the full credit for their accomplishments. To put this into context Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and Somerset, with hundreds of years of participation between them, have never been champions!

At first glance the make up of the side does not look like one to be feared with no big name stars or reputations in the line-up but there is a different mindset within the county - success has not been accidental! Durham does have a decent youth system but in recent years there has been a noticeable reliance on the evergreen player. Some may disagree with this policy but last season's results and statistics suggest this strategy is a winning one.

Four cricketers played in every Championship match last season and they were all considered senior players. Opening bat Michael Di Venuto (36) was deemed not good enough to play Test cricket for Australia yet scored 1601 runs at an average of 80.05 last season including six centuries and five fifties. It is generally accepted that he had been unlucky playing cricket at the same time as the likes of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer while some are quick to hint that if you come from Tasmania, things are that much harder in Australian cricket.

Phil Mustard (27) and Ian Blackwell (31) also played in every game and both averaged over 40 runs, giving admirable support. But the cornerstone in the Durham set-up was the modest Dale Benkenstein (35). Without his influence, the success could not have been possible!

It was his leadership qualities and paternal persuasion that enabled Durham to win the Friends Provident Trophy whilst securing the runners-up spot in the 2007 Championship. Using this impetus, they made history the following year by winning the Championship, leading the head coach Geoff Cook to say "Dale expects high standards from everybody but is sensitive to those who aspire but don't reach the mark. There are no histrionics, just several dollops of common sense. The lads are privileged to have played under him."

Reluctant hero Benkenstein had threatened retirement to spend more time with his family but passed on the captaincy to Will Smith for the 2009 season. Apart from directing and nursing Smith in his duties, he managed to score 1155 runs at an average of 52.5 which included five centuries and four fifties. Appropriately his effort was acknowledged and was named one of the 'Wisden Cricketers of the Year' for 2009.

Under coach Geoff Cook the county do most things right. Famous for his pragmatic approach and shrewd signings, he fully contributes to the success. Apart from Steve Harmison, complacency is hard to find at this cricket club. The mantra coming out of the Riverside is to look for improvement in all aspects.

Whilst Durham captain Will Smith believes the hunger remains within his squad to win the County Championship for a third successive time, this must surely depend on the fitness and availability of strike bowler Graham Onions (45 wickets last season). History is also against them as no county has won three titles on the trot since Yorkshire did it between 1966-68.

Last year Durham remained unbeaten and wrapped up the title with two games to spare winning, by an emphatic 47-point margin. Consequently they fully justify their position as favourites for the forthcoming season but caution is advised for those interested at the current prices. This season sees the earliest ever start to a campaign and inclement weather may affect results. Betfair prices for 2010 County Championship Division One are Durham [2.5] Hampshire [6.8] Nottinghamshire [8.4] Lancashire [9.4] Kent [11.5] Somerset [12] Warwickshire [13.5] Essex [18] Yorkshire [23].

Durham play their first game against Essex at the Riverside on Thursday 15 April 2010 and it will be fascinating to see how they deal with the points raised.

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