Cockbain Hundred Secures Draw
9 August 2012
Ian Cockbain hit the second LV=County Championship century of his career as injury-hit Gloucestershire comfortably held out for a draw against Hampshire on the final day at Bristol.
The 25-year-old Merseysider’s 112, off 227 balls, with 14 fours, occupied almost five hours and ensured stalemate in a game Gloucestershire ended with three seam bowlers under treatment.
Paul Muchall (back), Ian Saxelby (knee) and David Payne (bruised heel) would all have struggled to bowl in Hampshire’s second innings, something Cockbain was aware of when he began the day on 15, with his side 102 for four and only 97 runs ahead.
By the time he edged a ball from Simon Katich onto first pad and then his stumps the scoreboard read 269 for nine well into the final session and only one result was possible.
Ian told this website: “We knew from the outset that we would probably need to bat for two sessions to save the game, considering the injuries to our bowlers, so I was pleased to stay out there for so long.
“Dan Housego and Richard Coughtrie also did a great job. I was disappointed to get out when I did so close to a career best (127 against Middlesex at Uxbridge last season), but I had a bit of luck during my innings so I couldn’t complain.
“I had a good start to the season, but lost my rhythm a bit with the break for T20 cricket and all the rain. In the last couple of games I have been hitting the ball well again .
“Playing first class cricket and being exposed to the calibre of opposition you face improves your game a lot so I’m ready to take on more responsibility.”
By the time Gloucestershire had been bowled out for 277 by a visiting attack deprived of Dimitri Mascarenhas because of a back problem, a maximum of 18 overs remained to chase a target of 273.
Only two had been bowled without a run scored when the teams shook hands at 5pm and both took eight points from the match.
For more details on the final day against Hampshire click on Cricket and then Match reports.
