DURHAM heard yesterday that John Hastings will not be available for Saturday’s Royal London Cup final against Warwickshire at Lord’s.

The burly Australian had hoped to take advantage of a gap in Chennai Superkings’ Champions League fixtures to fly back from India.

But Chennai have a game on Monday and the danger of the RLC final spilling over into its reserve day on Sunday meant it was impractical for Hastings to make the trip.

His replacement in the current championship match, Indian paceman Varun Aaron, is ineligible so 21-year-old Sunderland all-rounder Paul Coughlin is likely to step in.

Warwickshire hope to include Ian Bell, who is recovering from a broken toe, and will have more bowlers available than when they lost the group game against Durham at South Northumberland.

Coach Dougie Brown said: “At times in the last two months we have lost all our big seam bowlers. Thankfully we have had Boyd Rankin back but guys have come in and put in telling performances.

On T20 finals day it was great to see Olly Hannon- Dalby put in a brilliant display.

“And let’s not forget Recordo Gordon, Richard Jones, Ateeq Javid – it’s not just the frontline bowlers who have been putting in performances to get us where we are.”

Lord’s officials are planning to make it a family day on Saturday.

Under 16s will be admitted for £1 and there will be fairground stalls and performances from local musicians around the ground.

There will also be coaching sessions for youngsters in the MCC Cricket Academy delivered by ex-professionals.

Admission prices for adults start at £30.