Somerset Cup Match leg spinner Hasan Durham has now joined an elite group of cricketers .

Durham, who debuted in Cup Match in 1994, officially moved into the classic?s all-time leading bowling averages.

The former Western Stars skipper and national team member?s 32 wickets, at an average of 24.44 runs per wicket, have catapulted him in 50th place between St.George?s pair David (Chick) Adams and Eldon Raynor.

?It makes me feel proud to know that I have accomplished something in a game that means so much to Bermuda and Bermudians,? Durham told .

?My name has been in the records before for the seven wickets I claimed in 1996. But to go on from that I now have something to strive for and that is to try and continue to move up the ranks as far as wickets are concerned.?

In 1996, Durham claimed a best seven for 71 ? the 17th best bowling performance during an innings behind Clarence Parfitt?s seven for 63 ? to spur Somerset to a six wicket win over St.George?s at Somerset Cricket Club.

Durham?s 32 wickets also places him 31st on the all time list for the most wickets taken in the 105 -year history of the annual mid-summer classic.

The veteran cricketer is also keen to put last summer?s bitter 27-run loss behind him and help Somerset reclaim the coveted showpiece.

?It reminds me of when I first came into Somerset?s team and they had not won the cup for 13 years,? Durham said. ?So to me this is just another challenge and an obstacle we need to strive together as a team to overcome.

?And it?s always a great feeling when you win it back as opposed to retaining it. It?s always a much better feeling of accomplishment and it would be good for the guys to try and strive for that and get that feeling again.?

With the onus on Somerset to dismiss the champions twice in two days, speculation is mounting in the West End that the Somerset Cup Match selectors will pin their hopes for success upon a three-pronged spin attack containing proven stalwarts Durham and Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock and possibly young Rodney Trott as a colt.

?That prospect is exciting and I?m very excited for Rodney if he makes it because he is a very good player,? Durham added.

?But that is in the selectors? hands and I?m just glad that I?m not a selector because I?m sure it?s a lot of headaches and challenges trying to pick a team capable of going out there and getting the job done.?

Durham also welcomed news that there will be no restrictions placed on any national team members prohibiting them from playing in next month?s classic at Somerset Cricket Club.

?I think that news has been welcomed by everybody, including spectators and the players,? he added.

?Domestically the pinnacle of any cricketer career is to play Cup Match outside of playing for Bermuda.

?There is no greater sporting spectacle or two day holiday set aside for a cricket match, and to be out there as a player gives one an opportunity to showcase their talents and I?m glad everyone is going to be available for selection.?

In the past decade, Somerset have recorded three wins on their home turf, a feat Durham is confident his team-mates can again achieve.

?I think this classic is going to be an exciting one,? he added.

?But for us to achieve our goal everyone will have to pull together as a team and give their best to try and get the job done.?