FORMER Kent cricket captain turned Test umpire Mark Benson is to undergo minor heart surgery next month to correct a defect that forced him to quit the second Test between South Africa and India.

The 48-year-old ex-England opening batsman needed hospital treatment after suffering heart palpitations during the post-Christmas Test Kingsmead Park in Durban. He was replaced three days into the game by reserve official Ian Howell.

Recuperating in Dubai, the former Kent stalwart said: "I wasn’t very well for a time because my heart rate suddenly went up to 190 beats a minute, but I’ve had palpitations like this before.

"It first happened five years ago, then again in South Africa and then when I was on holiday in America.

"There’s no pattern to it and the doctors aren’t sure what triggers it, but when it goes I have to get to hospital and have an injection to correct the rhythm."

Benson added: "It’s not uncommon to be honest and other cricketers like Chris Gayle have successfully beaten this.

"I’m just fortunate it happened when and where it did. At least I can get it sorted now and hope to get fit in time to stand in the World Cup in March."

Benson plans to undergo minor heart corrective surgery in London on February 8, an operation that boasts a 90 per cent success rate. He is now in his third year as an ICC Elite umpire and has already stood in 15 Tests and 38 one day internationals.