“Rocky Flintoff is a very talented youngster, and Farhan, who everyone saw at the World Cup, is an unbelievable talent.
“Obviously we want to win every game, but there are a lot of young players who we’re trying to develop and it’s going to be really exciting to work with them.”
Benkenstein’s father Dale played 23 one-day internationals for South Africa, as well as spending several seasons with Durham, and is now head coach at Lancashire.
“My dad, having been a captain, I’ve been able to learn a lot from him,” Benkenstein added.
“And with Essex putting that trust in [me] to captain the 2s (second team) every now and then, I think that will help in this upcoming series.
“You’re going to have a bit of an advantage growing up with a parent who’s played the game but it’s obviously how you use it.
“The lads who are there, all our parents have been very supportive. We see it as a positive thing and it’s very exciting to have someone who’s already played the game in your family.”
The squad also includes Haydon Mustard, son of former Durham and England wicketkeeper Phil, while both Ahmed and Rew have elder brothers who play for Leicestershire and Somerset respectively.
Benkenstein – who missed much of last season injured – said: “From as early as I can remember, all I’ve ever wanted to do is play cricket and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t.
“I was going to his [dad Dale’s] games, playing cricket on the side of the field when he was at Durham, and that’s definitely the reason I wanted to play.”
Asked whether he would like to one day play in a team coached by his father, he laughed: “For the sake of my mum’s mental health, I think we’ll try and stay away from that.”