Cockbain knows that form of 2015 needs to be replicated
GLOUCESTERSHIRE were unable to match their heroics of 2015 in last year’s One-Day Cup, but batsman Ian Cockbain is hoping that this time around they can replicate what made them successful.
Surrey were stunned by Gloucestershire in a thrilling final at Lord’s two seasons ago, but Richard Dawson’s side struggled to cope with the extra attention that came with their status as holders in what was a disappointing title defence.
They eventually finished second-from-bottom in the South Group after winning just twice, although they’ll be hoping Sunday’s trip to Middlesex won’t be their only one to the Home of Cricket in the competition.
Cockbain said: “We had a very simple game plan a couple of years ago and it’s basically about just going back to that and keeping it.
“If we keep it very simple and we do the basics right then we know that we’re good enough to beat anybody on our day.
“We’ve got arguments for both batting and bowling – we’ve got a lot of firepower in our middle order and that’s obviously going to play a big part in the tournament.
“In our bowling, we’ve got some fantastic death options as well as bowlers who can dry it up through the middle and we’ve got wicket-takers.”
Cockbain has been left out of the side in the County Championship so far, but the 30-year-old got himself in good nick going into the competition with scores of 88 and 59 for Gloucestershire’s Second XI in matches against Ireland A.
“Those games were important for the guys who haven’t been in the four-day side,” Cockbain said.
“It gave us a bit of cricket under our belts and gave us some specific preparation going to the 50-over games. It was nice to get a few runs as well.”
Like Gloucestershire – who began their One-Day Cup campaign against Glamorgan yesterday – Middlesex will want to make a better fist of the competition this year, as the four-day champions were inconsistent in 2016.
And with quality such as Adam Voges, Dawid Malan and Toby Roland-Jones in their line-up, they should be a tough prospect.