DURHAM have abandoned their tentative plan to bring in a second overseas player for the rest of their NatWest T20 Blast programme.

“We looked at a few options but nothing worked out,” said coach Jon Lewis last night. “We had a good chat before practice this morning and agreed there has been more good than bad in our performances so far.

“We need some bigger partnerships and individuals to convert 20s and 30s into something more substantial.

“We probably need to win four of our six remaining games to qualify for the quarter-finals.”

After losing their last two home games against Worcestershire and Warwickshire, who have taken over as the top two in the group, Durham have slipped to fourth place.

They need to hang on to that to reach the last eight, although they would much prefer a top two finish to earn a home tie.

Lancashire are the visitors tomorrow night for a 6.30 start and they are one of four teams who are within two points of Durham with a game in hand.

Durham enjoyed a rare T20 win at Old Trafford in a game which did not involve Australian all-rounder James Faulkner as he had only just flown in.

He hit 73 off 44 balls in Lancashire's last game at Northampton but for the second successive match they fell just short.

“He has done well without quite getting them over the line, “ said Lewis. “We probably didn't score as many runs as we should have at Old Trafford, but we defended it well. Scott Borthwick bowled well and should be feeling confident coming off the back of his performance at Arundel.”

Phil Mustard will play in the second day of the Second X1 Championship match against Derbyshire at Belper today before rejoining the first team squad.

Mustard thrashed 95 off 44 balls in a T20 match at Leek on Monday before rain, which had washed out the first game, returned to ruin the second.

A century by former Leicestershire player Shiv Thakor helped Derbyshire pass 300 with only four wickets down yesterday.