DURHAM yesterday confirmed that John Hastings will be back next season following approval by the board.

It is believed some of the directors, of whom little is heard, felt there was a greater need to sign an overseas batsman. But they could scarcely go against the decision of the cricket management.

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 he and his wife have fitted in really well.

“They are part of our family and we’re delighted that they’re going to be with us next year and maybe even longer.”

While Durham might appear to have greater seam bowling than batting resources, Hastings possesses the sort of powerful physique which allows him to keep going all season.

In an era when bowlers regularly break down this is an important consideration, as is the fact that Graham Onions is struggling to regain the outstanding form he enjoyed prior to his second back operation.

Paul Coughlin and Usman Arshad have the potential to develop into all-rounders of a high county standard. But Coughlin is currently out with the latest in a series of injuries and left-armer Jamie Harrison has had to contend with something similar.

Also because of injury, nothing has been seen this season of Irishman Peter Chase, who made an immediate impact at the end of last season.

Hastings has said he would welcome Durham signing a second overseas man, specifically a batsman, for next season's Twenty20.

But they have found with players like Herschelle Gibbs, Ross Taylor and David Warner that, although they might play one outstanding innings, they bring no guarantee of success.

“It's always a gamble,” said Hastings, whose Victoria team-mates Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have fallen short of expectations with Yorkshire.

“They are fantastic players, but you can sign some of the biggest names in the world and it brings no guarantees,” said Hastings.

“Either they can be out of form or not suited to the conditions. Finch has done well in this country in the past, but it hasn't happened for him this year.”

Hastings, 29, has been an outstanding contributor in all forms of the game since making his debut against Middlesex last June.

In 20 first-class matches he has taken 76 wickets, including a career-best seven for 60 at Worcester this summer. He has also chipped in with six half-centuries.

“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,” he said.

“The people in the dressing room and the people in the North East are just fantastic, so my wife and I really, really enjoy it and want to keep coming back.”

Hastings has played in 11 one-day internationals and earned the Most Valuable Player Award in Australia's Big Bash competition last winter.

He will play for the Melbourne Stars again before returning for the full campaign with Durham.

“When people are coming in and out and you’ve got three or four pros throughout the year it’s hard to get a bit of continuity with team morale and things like that,” he said. “I'll be back for the full season."

*Rain prevented any play in Durham's Royal London Cup match at home to Worcestershire yesterday. Durham now head for Somerset tomorrow before returning home to play Surrey on Friday.