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Ed Cowan

The results couldn’t possibly have been any better for left-hand opening batsman Ed Cowan during his dream 2011-2012 season.

His bumper season with the bat saw him top the run aggregate for the second time in three years. By the end of the Sheffield Shield season he had scored 948 runs at 59.25, as well as two other First Class centuries against the touring New Zealanders and Indians – form that earned him a call–up for his Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day.
Batting on the opening day, Cowan scored a patient 68, his caught-behind dismissal considered dubious by spectators and media commentators.

The former New South Welshmen went on to play in all four Tests against India, scoring 74 in Perth and being part of Australia’s 4-0 series clean sweep. His sound form against India earned him selection in the Australian team that toured the West Indies soon thereafter. He played in all three Tests in the Caribbean, his 55 in the second innings of the third Test enabling Australia to win the series 2-0.

In the 2012 home series against the No. 1 ranked team in world cricket – South Africa – Cowan reached his ultimate goal: a splendid debut Test century against the tourists in Brisbane. Batting defiantly, Cowan, having lost three top order batting partners in quick succession late on day three, took the fight up to the Proteas. The next day his 257-ball innings ended on 136 (17 boundaries) when he was unluckily run out.

Cowan’s impressive domestic form later earned him a trip to India for the four Test match series in February-March 2012, which brought his number of Test match appearances in the Baggy Green to 17.

Cowan’s move to Tasmania after the 2008-09 season gave his career the boost he needed. At New South Wales he had struggled to make himself a regular member of the strong batting line-up, struggling with both injury and confidence. The move south however brought immediate results.He played every Sheffield Shield match in his first season with the Tigers, scoring 957 runs at 53.16, including a career best 225, followed by a century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A.

The following year, he led Tasmania to their second ever Sheffield Shield win, with a man of the match 137 in the final. Throughout the winning season, Cowan kept a daily cricket diary titled “In The Firing Line: Diary Of A Season” which was published by New South Publishing in November 2011. It was received with critical acclaim – with reviews and endorsements from some of the world’s leading cricket commentators; Mike Atherton called it a “beautifully observed account” in The Times of London. Ed has also written articles for ESPN’s website and a number of other reputable cricket publications.

Ed has played cricket around the world and has actively sought out experiences beyond the mainstream – stints in both Scotland and The Netherlands shaping his views on the cricketing landscape.

Cowan balances his cricket with studies: he has a commerce degree, has worked as an analyst for an investment bank and is about to complete his Masters in Applied Finance.

Testimonials

This brutally honest season diary is a fascinating and illuminating insight into the mind of the modern cricketer and one that I couldn’t put down. It was with great consolation that I realised that comedians aren’t alone when it comes to the constant questioning and self analysis of our performances.

FROM Tim Ross – Comedian and Author of Mum Had a Kingswood.

Cowan’s diary eloquently covers his rollercoaster season with the triumphant Tigers, and provides fascinating insights on the shape and direction of our summer game.

FROM Jim Maxwell – ABC commentator

It was great to play with and get to know Ed Cowan during the 2010-11 season. He is a very talented cricketer who went on to be a key part of Tassie’s Shield win and also represented Australia A during the season. He has a real passion, talent and insight into the game of cricket and that comes through in his first ever book – a compelling read for any sports fan.

FROM Ricky Ponting – Australian Cricket Legend

Ed Cowan has provided a brave and insightful account of his experiences during a turbulent season. At once it is the story of a single cricketer and every cricketer. It is the tale of one season and every season. He sets out full of hope, suffers numerous setbacks, curses himself, blames his diary, sympathises with his wife, tries growing vegetables, tinkers with his game, seeks to master his mind, scores a few blobs, plays some inspired innings, almost subdues the Poms and eventually triumphs in the Shield final. Throughout Cowan subjects himself to a rigorous examination recorded in all its angst. Hs book is a reminder that of the insecurity felt by all immersed in this most fickle and cussed of recreations. Despite covering many of the matches, I read the diary in one sitting. It’s a reminder that cricket is a private game necessarily pursued in a public place. Its a reminder, too, that it has many joys, not least those of personal achievement and collective conquest.

FROM Peter Roebuck – Author, Journalist and commentator

Ed Cowan

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