Benkenstein rues Durham defeat

Disappointed Durham captain Dale Benkenstein admitted his side had not performed after slipping to a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat against Middlesex in today's Twenty20 Cup semi-final.

Having been restricted to an under-par 138 for six in the second semi-final at the Rose Bowl, Durham were powerless to prevent Middlesex setting up a final meeting with holders Kent after they raced to 141 for two inside 15.4 overs.

It was a desperate disappointment for domestic cricket's newest county, who were performing on finals day for the first time, and Benkenstein admitted: "We just never got going with the bat.

"We had a player of (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul's experience and ability out there and you'd expect him to be able to assess the situation pretty well.

"The ball was turning inconsistently and it didn't give you that much confidence when you're out there to come down the pitch.

Tyron Henderson and Owais Shah celebrate their victory

"They have two very experienced spinners and they never allowed us to get going. It was disappointing because we were nowhere near our best. On big stages you want to be at your best and we really weren't.

"We were in a good position at round about 13 overs and if we'd have kicked on from there it may have been different but we just weren't able to hit boundaries. It was a bit disappointing because it feels like we didn't give ourselves a chance."

Middlesex's victory stroll was completed by a quickfire 59 from Tyron Henderson off only 21 balls, which included two fours and seven sixes, and left recently-recalled England fast bowler Steve Harmison with desperate figures of 3.40-47-0.

But despite his failure to make an impact, Benkenstein believes the time is right for Harmison to return to England's Test side for this week's third npower Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.

"He's been outstanding in all forms of the game," enthused Benkenstein. "He's got great control at the moment, he's bowling with great pace and I think he's ready to get back into the Test side.

"He adds a new dimension. He's got pace and bounce and will bring a fear factor into the game. He adds a good balance to the side and I don't think the tail will be hanging around with him in the team.

Steve Harmison adds a new dimension to the game, according to Durham captain Dale Benkenstein

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"For me it's great to have him in the side - I'd never leave him out of our side."

Middlesex skipper Ed Joyce praised the explosive hitting of Henderson.

Joyce said: "Tyron has done that a few times this year for us. He did it at Essex as well and on another occasion.

"He is capable of doing it but I do think they were 20-30 runs short. They lacked a bit of intensity against the spinners and didn't hit many boundaries.

"We believe if you have two good spinners in the middle, especially on a wicket like that, it is the perfect wicket for us.

"There was inconsistent turn and bounce and it helps those two. Udal has been around for years and he has been fantastic.

"Kartik is also brilliant. We had him here last year and he bowled like that in the Twenty20 although we didn't have success because we didn't have the other players around him."