Pollock's experience will be key to Durham's Twenty20 efforts

Durham captain Dale Benkenstein says the club have stated their intent to succeed in the Twenty20 Cup by signing Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel.

"They're two top quality all-rounders and they do add huge value to the side," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We haven't taken Twenty20 that seriously and our record isn't great and we want to improve on that.

"In signing players like Pollock and Morkel we realise how seriously the club is taking short-form cricket."

With Paul Collingwood returning to the side after England duty and the new additions in place, Benkenstein is confident Durham have the firepower to compete in Twenty20 this season.

"Twenty20 cricket is a different ball game and you never know what it is going to produce," he said.

"I think we have some individuals here that can turn a game around and I think in short-form cricket you need individuals sometimes."

Durham begin their Twenty20 involvement with the visit of Derbyshire on Wednesday, 11 June.