Chris Benjamin (cricketer)

Christopher Gavin Benjamin (born 29 April 1999) is a South African cricketer who plays for Kent County Cricket Club.^[1][2] He made his first-class debut on 26 March 2019, for Durham MCCU against Durham, as part of the Marylebone Cricket Club University fixtures.^[3] In July 2021, he was awarded a rookie contract with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.^[4] He made his Twenty20 debut on 18 July 2021, for Birmingham Bears in the 2021 T20 Blast.^[5] He made his List A debut on 22 July 2021, for Warwickshire in the 2021 Royal London One-Day Cup.^[6]

Chris Benjamin

Personal information
Full name	Christopher Gavin Benjamin
Born	(1999-04-29) 29 April 1999 (age 25) Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm medium
Role	Wicket-keeper
Domestic team information
Years	Team
2019	Durham MCCU
2021–2024	Warwickshire (squad no. 12)
2022	→ Durham (on loan)
2021–2023	Birmingham Phoenix
FC debut	26 March 2019 Durham MCCU v Durham
LA debut	22 July 2021 Warwickshire v Glamorgan
Career statistics
Competition FC LA T20 Matches 14 11 69 Runs scored 539 260 962 Batting average 24.50 37.14 20.91 100s/50s 1/1 0/2 0/3 Top score 127 75 68* Catches/stumpings 12/0 6/0 33/0
Source: Cricinfo, 30 September 2024

Benjamin was a last minute addition to the Birmingham Phoenix team for the 2021 season of The Hundred, replacing injured Warwickshire teammate Adam Hose just one day before the tournament was due to begin.^[7] He received wide praise for his performance in the Phoenix's first match, scoring 24 runs in 15 balls against the London Spirit to secure a three-wicket victory.^[8] In August 2021, in the 2021 County Championship, Benjamin scored his maiden century in first-class cricket.^[9]

Benjamin attended St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown.^[10] In April 2022, he was bought by the Birmingham Phoenix for the 2022 season of The Hundred.^[11]

In September 2024, Benjamin left Warwickshire to join Kent on a three-year contract.^[12]

References

1. "Chris Benjamin". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
2. "Cambridge CC overseas star eyeing county contract". Cambridge News. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
3. "2nd Match, Marylebone Cricket Club University Matches at Chester-le-Street, Mar 26-28 2019". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
4. "Warwickshire bring in Chris Benjamin as wicketkeeper back-up". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
5. "North Group, Birmingham, Jul 18 2021, Vitality Blast". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
6. "Cardiff, Jul 22 2021, Royal London One-Day Cup". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
7. "Birmingham Phoenix make local additions to men's team in The Hundred". Cricket World. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
8. "Benjamin stars in thrilling Phoenix win". BBC Sport. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
9. "County Championship: Chris Benjamin and Sam Hain make tons as Warwickshire dominate Lancashire". BBC Sport. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
10. "St Andrew's College on their UK Cricket Tour". Grocotts Mail. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
11. "The Hundred 2022: latest squads as Draft picks revealed". BBC Sport. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
12. "Kent sign South African Benjamin from Warwickshire". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 September 2024.

External links

• Chris Benjamin at ESPNcricinfo