Ton gives Cockbain confidence boost

FRUSTRATING would be the best way to describe Ian Cockbain’s year to date but the Gloucestershire batsman hopes a second XI century against Afghanistan can reignite his season.

Cockbain, who has only just regained his place in the T20 first team after being consigned to the seconds for much of the One-Day Cup campaign, struck 102 off just 79 balls at Bedminster Cricket Club as Gloucs successfully chased down 330 to win an enthralling friendly last weekend.

The 30-year-old has not played four-day cricket in over a year, but has cashed in for the second XI in the last two months, with this innings marking his fifth score over 50 in recent weeks.

And the right-hander insists this is a major boost to his confidence after dispatching a talented Afghan attack which included highly-rated spinner Rashid Khan.

“It was a good test for me and a real guide to see where I am at with my career,” said Cockbain.“Obviously to get a few runs against those guys who have played in the IPL and played international cricket for a few years now, and to do very well and get a hundred, is very pleasing. Hopefully that can push me forwards in my own personal career.

“Their bowling attack was very impressive, I was not sure what we were going to come up against but they tested us.

“Facing those guys was a great challenge and luckily enough we managed to play them fairly well and knocked off the runs in the final over.

“I did not play much of a part in the 50-over stuff this season, which was frustrating. But it gives me a good chance to work on my white-ball skills in the second team and play in these type of fixtures.”