Fast bowling all-rounder John Hastings will return to Durham for a third successive season after signing a fresh contract extension.
The 29-year-old former Australia international has been a revelation since arriving at Chester-le-Street in June last year, when he took 65 wickets in 26 matches across all three formats.
He has followed that up with 38 scalps in Durham's LV= County Championship title push this season, as well as contributing some useful lower order scores with the bat.
Hastings, who played one Test, 11 one-dayers and three Twenty20 internationals, said after extending his stay in the north east: "It's absolutely fantastic.
"I expressed an interest at the start of the year that I'd love to come back, and I'm really looking forward to finishing off this season well with the boys, because there's still a chance for trophies at this stage.
"The people in the dressing room and the people up here in the north east are just fantastic, so my wife and I really, really enjoy it and want to keep coming back."
Head coach Jon Lewis said: "He's been instrumental in all competitions for us since he first came to this country. He's a big personality, and a big bloke, who has fitted in really well at Durham."
Source: PA
