Rob Johnston finds out how the youngest first-class county became the country’s champions, from the men involved in a golden period for cricket in the North-East.
Since Durham’s introduction to first-class cricket in 1992, they had been regarded as talented but without the self-belief needed to win games and trophies. By 2007, that was all changing. The mix of experienced cricketers such as Ottis Gibson, Dale Benkenstein and Michael Di Venuto, plus Geoff Cook’s production line of homegrown talent, was starting to produce results.
After 15 seasons without silverware, they won two one-day competitions in 2007, the Friends Provident Trophy and the Pro40 Second Division, and also finished runners-up in the Championship. The next season, Durham began a run of three Championship titles in six years.
How important was that 2007 season in developing belief within the club?
Will Smith (captain 2009-10 and batsman): The Friends Provident Trophy was the first silverware Durham had ever won and to get to a Lord’s final was a watershed moment. The players we had brought in all came together in that moment and from that point on, it gave us confidence and made us realise we were a threat to be reckoned with.
Phil Mustard (keeper-batsman): I actually think it all stemmed from the 2006 season when we avoided relegation from Division One by half a point. We won the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007, which we were all high as a kite about, but staying up in 2006 was almost as big a turning point for Durham.
Geoff Cook (head coach): I spoke to various people to get some impressions of Durham from people outside. The consensus was that they had a bit of a struggle because of a lack of confidence and self-belief which consequently meant when they had a chance to win games, they weren’t following it through. Winning games was something that Dale Benkenstein really concentrated on.
As was Paul Collingwood who took over as captain in 2012.
GC: Paul’s constant availability after standing down from England, his experience and his captaincy skills meant it was the perfect time for him to take over.
WS: It’s the situation where Paul Collingwood, throughout his career, has been at his best. He has been able to galvanise teams at times when others wouldn’t have done. He was exceptional that year.
All three Championship wins had local guys at the heart of the team. Was that important?
GC: Having these local lads was fostered by Dale to a large extent. The team has always had a great team spirit and a great pride in representing Durham and what we have tried to achieve over the last 25 years. In that sense, the community pride has also played a part, yes.
WS: John Windows, the academy director, is always overlooked when you talk about Durham’s success but he has been a massive factor in that. He continually churns out these good players. These guys were playing for the love of their club and their region and it’s testament to the attitude a lot of people have in the North-East to always give everything they’ve possibly got. That was very much the case in all three of those wins.
