BRILLIANT bowling by John Hastings just about kept Durham afloat after Somerset chose to bat in the Royal London Cup tie at Taunton.

Hastings took five for 41 in his ten overs as the hosts posted 327 for eight thanks to a century by Tom Cooper and 49 off 25 balls by Craig Overton.

Cooper, the Australian who has played for the Netherlands, made 104, his first century in what has been a disappointing first season for Somerset.

The other three wickets were all taken by Usman Arshad, but his figures were ruined when Overton hit him for four huge sixes.

Arshad conceded 37 in the 45th and 47th overs to finish with 9-0-80-3 before Jamie Harrison was recalled to bowl the 49th and conceded 11.

Harrison had replaced Keaton Jennings as Durham loaded the side with bowlers on what is always a good batting track. It also seems that Paul Collingwood is unable to bowl ten overs.

He retired after bowling six against Northants and had figures of 4-0-16-0 today.