John Hastings signs new contract with Durham
Monday 27 July 2015 10:47, UK
Australian all-rounder John Hastings has signed a new contract to be Durham’s overseas player in 2016.
Hastings, 29, who has made 15 appearances for his country, including one Test match, has been a big success at Durham with bat and ball since he arrived last June.
He has taken 76 wickets in 20 first-class matches for Durham, including a career-best haul of 7-60 against Worcestershire this season, and also hit six half-centuries.
He played a key role in Durham’s Royal London One-Day Cup triumph last summer, and during the campaign hit the fastest 50 in the club’s history – off 19 balls against Northants.
Hastings, who was the Most Valuable Player in this year's Big Bash League in Australia, said: “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.”
Durham head coach Jon Lewis added: “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.
"His wife, Bree, has fitted in extremely well too, she’s a part of our family and we’re delighted that they’re going to be with us next year and maybe even longer.”
