JOHN Hastings is determined to play at Lord's this season after missing last year's Royal London Cup final triumph because of Indian Premier League duties.

Durham begin their defence of the 50-over trophy at Northampton today, boosted by the news that Hastings has agreed to return for another full season next year.

He opted out of entering this year's IPL auction after warming the bench for most of his two stints in India at the start and end of last season.

“The payment is based partly on appearances but I could probably have earned more in six weeks at the IPL than in a full season of county cricket,” he said.

“It will be the same next year, regardless of how well I do in our Big Bash back home, which can help to get you an IPL contract.

“It's not about the money for me. I love the lifestyle in Durham and it was an easy decision to come for the full season.

“Now I've committed for next year they can plan what they want to do. It would be fantastic if we could get another overseas player for the Twenty20.

“I was gutted to miss last season's Royal London final after playing in all the other games. I followed it from Bangalore, getting the live scores on the phone. Then I sat down with a beer to watch them get over the line.

“I was very proud of the way they went about the whole day. It was fantastic to see Gareth Breese finish it off in his farewell appearance. It couldn't have been scripted better.”

John Wayne Hastings, 6ft 5in and known as the Duke, started playing cricket at the age of six near his home in Penrith, Australia.

He joined the club where his dad, Graham, coached the juniors but says: “They wouldn't let me play in the under nines as a six-year-old, but I fell in love with the game. Growing up I also played rugby, tennis and golf but cricket became my passion.”

He remembers watching some of the action at Penrith Lakes during the 2000 Olympics, but wasn't present to see Steve Redgrave win his fourth gold medal.

Hastings sampled the English Lake District with his wife Briannan when Durham had some time off recently.

“We went for a few days because you need some down time during a long season,” he said. “I wanted to be here for the full season and play in everything. I like the continuity – it helps me to keep bowling well.

“I'll admit it's been tough. I really admire the way guys like Chris Rushworth go about their work when they are playing in every game. It adds up but I feel I'm still going well at this stage.

“There's never any whining about the workload from the Durham players, which is one of the things I love about playing for them. We also make sure we get the balance right in training between games. It's important to keep your strength up.”

At 29, it seems unlikely Hastings will add to his one Test cap, but he feels he has improved his bowling skills since joining Durham.

He admitted on arrival last year that he couldn't swing the ball away, but now he occasionally gets one to leave the right-hander.

“It's not happening for me as well as I would like at the moment,” he said. “But I remember last year Chris Rushworth bowled really well and didn't get his rewards until the last few games.

“I work a lot with our bowling coach, Alan Walker, who has been really good for me. He reminds me if I'm picking up bad habits and has taught me how to use the conditions and get the seam in the right position for the ball to swing.”

Hastings also hopes to bring his big hitting to bear in the RL Cup, having had little opportunity to repeat the brutal 80 not out he thrashed off 26 balls against Northamptonshire in last year's T20.

“I enjoy batting and I would like to get in earlier,” he said. “But it's best for the team if I get in with five overs left in the T20 to finish the innings.

“Sometimes I've gone in earlier and got out, so you have to get the balance right and it will be the same in the RL Cup. Over the longer format you have more time to work your way into the game, which possibly suits us better. We'll certainly be trying to win it again and I'd love the chance to play in a Lord's final.”