Cockbain Takes Ton Off Students
21 March 2012
Ian Cockbain warmed up for the new season by hitting an unbeaten 141 on the opening day of the friendly against Cardiff MCCU at the County Ground.
Cockbain hit 24 fours and a six in facing 243 balls as the hosts ran up 406 for five against the students, having been 93 for three at one stage.
Skipper Alex Gidman contributed 75 off 98 balls, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 146 with Cockbain. Earlier, there were useful knocks of 32 from Richard Coughtrie and 27 from opening partner Chris Dent.
Jonathan Batty weighed in with an unbeaten 50 before the close as he and Cockbain added 147 without being parted.
Alex Gidman told this website: “There was some nippy bowling to contend with and it was a really good test for us.
“Ian played particularly well, but all our top order spent some valuable time at the crease so we are very happy with how things went.”
Apart from Hamish Marshall, who has yet to arrive back from New Zealand, Gloucestershire fielded their first choice batting line up.
Winter signing Dan Housego went in at three and scored only four off 37 balls, but was in for around an hour.
“Dan is feeling his way at the moment and will improve with games,” said Alex. “He battled away and the innings will be a help in him finding his best form.”
The match concludes today with Cardiff MCCU set to bat all through the day so that Gloucestershire’s bowlers can have a good work-out.
