John Hastings: Durham seamer growing into English conditions

Hastings has taken six wickets in his last two Championship matches for champions Durham

Durham all-rounder John Hastings believes he is beginning to learn the vagaries of English pitches and show his best first-class form.

Hastings, 28, delayed his arrival until late May because of Indian Premier League commitments with Chennai.

Since his debut, the Australian seamer has taken 14 Championship wickets in three games, including six in Wednesday's win against Sussex.

"I felt better this game," Hastings told BBC Newcastle.

"It's going to take me a while to get a grasp, but hopefully I'll keep improving and getting better with the conditions."

His most impressive spell with the ball so far came in that victory over Sussex when he, along with Ben Stokes, helped decimate the visitors' batting line-up.

"Having played a lot of Twenty20 cricket and not so much first-class over the last six months I'm still trying to get back into it," added Hastings.

"But I love bowling with the Duke ball, it seems to suit my game really nicely, and it's good to get a top-order wicket."

The Penrith-born player, who played state cricket for Victoria prior to his move to the northern hemisphere, came straight to the north east from his Indian sojourn and has been made to feel welcome in the region.

"The boys in the club have been fantastic - anything me or my wife have needed they've been happy enough to help us out," he continued.

"For me, I'm happy to have the opportunity to be over here."