Markram continues to learn from Benks

Aiden Markram says he will continue to lean on the teachings of Durham legend Dale Benkentstein as the South African prepares for a four-game stint at the Emirates Riverside.

The 23-year-old will play the opening four matches of their Specsavers County Championship Division Two campaign – starting with Friday’s home match against Kent.

South Africa’s head coach Ottis Gibson and batting coach Benkenstein –bothformerDurhamplayers – played a crucial role in convincing Markram to move to the Riverside to further develop his game following the outstanding start to his Test career.

Markram has admitted that he will continue to take the advice of his batting coach, who scored 9,055 first-class runs for Durham and captained the team to their maiden triumph in the County Championship in the 2008 season along with the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007.

He said: “They played a lot of cricket here and have lived in this part of the world. Ottis recommended it knowing the set-up here. They sold it to me and I bought in right away. It’s a great bunch of guys and I’m excited for the games to get started.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Dale. I really enjoy working with him - I like his approach to coaching as well. A lot of it is down to an awareness and a tactical point of view, he believes that players at this level and at international level are there for a reason. A lot of it’s in the mind and with your tactical awareness, that’s where I think Dale is brilliant. We get on really well.

“He’s pretty much a legend of this club. I’ve been fortunate to work with him. If anyone knows this ground inside and out it’s probably Dale. Whenever I find something that I need an answer to, he’ll be the guy I’ll get a hold of.“