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Ed Cowan
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Edward James McKenzie Cowan (born 16 June 1982) is an Australian former cricketer, who played domestically mainly for New South Wales and Tasmania as a left handed opening batsman. In March 2018, he announced his retirement from first-class cricket.[3]
Key Information
Domestic career
[edit]Cowan attended Tudor House School in Moss Vale and Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill where he played in the school 1st XI aged only 14, and scored 218 not out, and went on to the under-17 New South Wales championships. While in Year 12 he was selected to play for the Australian under 19s side to tour Sri Lanka. He played for the University of Sydney Cricket Club, and made his debut for NSW in 2005.
In 2009, Cowan joined the Tasmanian Tigers where a successful season saw him score 225 vs South Australia in his first game at home. This was followed on by two other centuries at Bellerive Oval and a successful Ford Ranger Cup premiership. In 2011 Cowan published a book, his diary of the 2010/2011 Sheffield Shield season entitled In the Firing Line.
2017–18 season
[edit]Cowan played every match for New South Wales in the 2017–18 JLT One-Day Cup. His best performance of the tournament came against Tasmania when he came in late in the innings to score an unbeaten 51 runs off 32 balls, including five fours and a six.[4] At the end of the tournament he was controversially left out of New South Wales' side for the first match of the Sheffield Shield in favour of the younger Daniel Hughes despite being the top run-scorer of the entire tournament in the previous season.[5] Australian captain Steve Smith took responsibility for the decision saying that he wanted to see more of Hughes as he felt Hughes had the potential to become an international player for Australia.[6]
International career
[edit]Cowan was selected for Australia A in June 2010 to play Sri Lanka, where he scored a century in a convincing series win.
Cowan made his Test cricket debut for Australia in the 2011 Boxing Day Test against India. His selection followed a season in which, to that point, he had averaged 64.22 in first class matches.[7] His baggy green cap was presented by Dean Jones. Against India he became the 18th Australian opening batsman to score a half-century (68) on debut.[8] He played in all four Tests of the series, opening the batting with David Warner. Australia won the series 4–0; over the four Tests Cowan scored 206 runs at an average of 34.33,[9] including another half-century (74) in Perth.[10] Cowan had less fortune in the Tour of the West Indies later that year, scoring only a half century.
His maiden Test century came on 12 November 2012, a year to the day after the death of his mentor and former teacher Peter Roebuck; Cowan dedicated the century to Roebuck's memory.[11] Cowan was criticised after being unable to follow up with another century in the remaining tests against South Africa. Cowan finished the series with 228 runs in five innings, these included the debut test ton and a half century in the last match at the WACA.[12]
Cowan had a bad start to the series against Sri Lanka making 4 on his home turf in the first innings. Cowan made sure he did not have another failure in the second innings by posting 56 in an opening stand worth 132 with partner David Warner.[13]
Cowan scored 86 runs off 238 deliveries in Mohali during the Australian's tour of India. During this innings, Cowan and fellow opener David Warner achieved the highest opening partnership for Australia in India, with 139 runs. In the fourth Test, Cowan scored 38 before being bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. Finishing the series as the second highest run scorer and one of the few bright spots for Australia at the end of a losing tour, Cowan was selected for the Ashes Tour of England that followed. He played one match in the losing series, scoring 0 and 14 in each innings in what subsequently turned out to be his final appearance for the national team.
Personal life and education
[edit]Cowan is married to Australian television and radio presenter Virginia Lette.[14] Virginia gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Romy, in August 2012.[15]
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cowan "has a commerce degree, written a warts-and-all diary about life as a cricketer, grows his own vegetables, immerses himself in novels, and appreciates modern art and loves music."[16]
When he was called from the SCG Members bar in 2005 to field as the 13th man for Australia against Pakistan for five minutes, he refused to keep the gear he was offered because Cowan did not believe he deserved it. Then, when NSW prematurely presented him with his baggy blue after he was picked as 12th man for the state's one-day team, he marched into Cricket NSW boss Dave Gilbert's office and handed it back, saying he would accept it when he was entitled to wear the cap.[17]
He has faced difficulties by stating in an interview with The Australian, "Perception is often reality when it comes to selection," Cowan wrote. "Throughout my career, even as a junior, I have battled against a perception that a kid who went to a good school (in his case Cranbrook) and had a degree must be soft as butter."
Cowan featured in the 2015 documentary on cricket Death of a Gentleman.[18]
References
[edit]- ^ "Cricinfo profile". Content.cricinfo.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ^ "Ed Cowan". cricket.com.au. Cricket Australia. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ^ "Ed Cowan retires from first-class cricket". ESPN Cricinfo. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "Maddinson's blazing ton sets up NSW's big win". ESPNcricinfo.com. ESPN Inc. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ Brettig, Daniel (23 October 2017). "NSW axe Cowan for Shield opener in push for young batsmen". ESPNcricinfo.com. ESPN Inc. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ Brettig, Daniel (24 October 2017). "Smith takes responsibility for Cowan call". ESPNcricinfo.com. ESPN Inc. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ Earle, Richard; Pandaram, Jamie (21 December 2011). "Ed Cowan named to open batting with David Warner in Boxing Day Test". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Cowan Plays Grinding Role to Lunch on Boxing Day". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ^ "Records / Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2011/12 / Most runs". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Statistics / Statsguru / EJM Cowan / Test matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Cowan dedicates maiden ton to Roebuck - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 November 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ^ "Ed Cowan Debut and last played matches in Tests, ODIs, T20Is and other formats". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "1st Test: Australia v Sri Lanka at Hobart, Dec 14-18, 2012 | Cricket Scorecard". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
- ^ Pandaram, James (21 December 2011). "Ed Cowan on brink of Test call-up". Herald Sun. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ Wisden 2013, p. 733.
- ^ Lane, Daniel (17 December 2011). "Cowan's philosophy no mere abstraction". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- ^ "Cowan's Philosophy No Mere Abstraction". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Death of a Gentleman Film: The Test Cricket Health-Check". All Out Cricket. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
External links
[edit]Ed Cowan
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background and early interests
Edward James McKenzie Cowan was born on 16 June 1982 in Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[5] Cowan grew up in a family without a strong cricketing tradition; his father pursued a career in business, embodying an entrepreneurial spirit that influenced the household's emphasis on hard work and planning.[9] Cowan developed an early interest in cricket through local play in Sydney, where he first developed his left-handed batting stance.[3]Academic and youth cricket development
Cowan attended Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, where he balanced his academic studies with a growing involvement in cricket, eventually captaining the school's first XI team by age 14.[10][11] At that young age, he made a significant breakthrough by scoring a record 218 not out against the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) during the national under-17 championships, highlighting his potential as an opening batsman.[3][2] Following this achievement, Cowan progressed through the New South Wales youth cricket system, representing the state in under-17 and under-19 teams, where he further developed his technique against quality pace and spin bowling.[5][12] In year 12, he earned selection for the Australian under-19 squad that toured Sri Lanka, gaining international youth exposure.[3] He honed his opening batting skills in Sydney grade cricket while playing for the University of Sydney Cricket Club, scoring consistently in competitive matches that bridged his youth and domestic careers.[5][11] Supported by his family's emphasis on education alongside sport, Cowan pursued higher studies and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Sydney, focusing on finance and laying the groundwork for his post-cricket career in investment banking.[10][13]Domestic career
New South Wales (2004–2009 and 2015–2018)
Ed Cowan made his Sheffield Shield debut for New South Wales during the 2004–05 season, where he accumulated 384 runs at an average of 24.00 across his initial appearances in the competition.[5] This marked the beginning of his domestic career with the Blues, though opportunities were limited due to the depth of batting talent in the state side.[14] Cowan's performances in the 2008–09 season highlighted his growing consistency as an opener and solidified his reputation within the team before he departed for Tasmania at the season's end.[1] After spending six seasons with Tasmania, Cowan returned to New South Wales ahead of the 2015–16 season, signing a one-year contract to rejoin the Blues.[15] In his comeback year, he scored 509 runs at an average of 36.65 in the Sheffield Shield, including a century against South Australia, while also contributing 356 runs at 59.33 in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup, featuring his second List A century for the state.[1] He assumed captaincy duties in limited-overs formats during this period, providing leadership to the side.[5] The following season, 2016–17, saw Cowan deliver his most prolific performance for New South Wales, amassing 959 runs at an average of 73.76 in the Sheffield Shield to top the competition's run charts and secure the Steve Waugh Medal as the Blues' player of the season.[16] In his final season, 2017–18, Cowan scored 347 runs in the Sheffield Shield before announcing his retirement from first-class cricket in March 2018, following New South Wales' defeat to Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.[17][18] His last match came in that fixture, capping a career with the Blues that spanned two distinct phases and underscored his resilience as a top-order batsman.[14]Tasmania (2009–2015)
Seeking greater opportunities after limited appearances with New South Wales, Ed Cowan transferred to Tasmania ahead of the 2009–10 season.[3] In his debut campaign with the Tasmanian Tigers, he featured in all ten Sheffield Shield matches, amassing 957 runs at an average of 53.16, which placed him second on the competition's run-scoring list.[19] A highlight was his maiden double-century for the state, scoring 225 not out against South Australia at Bellerive Oval in November 2009, rescuing Tasmania from 3/28 to secure first-innings points in a match remembered for clashing with a record wicket haul by the opposition.[20] Cowan played a pivotal role in Tasmania's 2010–11 Sheffield Shield triumph, their second title in the competition. Top-scoring for the team with 1,026 runs across the season, he anchored the batting lineup and earned Player of the Match in the final against New South Wales with 133 in the first innings, helping set up a seven-wicket victory at Bellerive Oval.[21] His consistent opening partnerships and resilience under pressure were instrumental in Tasmania's dominant campaign, which included strong home performances that propelled them to the championship.[22] Over his six seasons with Tasmania from 2009 to 2015, Cowan established himself as a reliable opener, accumulating more than 4,000 Sheffield Shield runs at an average of 44.82 in 52 matches.[22] This period marked his most productive domestic phase, contributing to two titles and paving the way for his international selection. Following the 2014–15 season, Cowan departed the Tigers to return to New South Wales for family reasons.[23]Retirement from first-class cricket
On 7 March 2018, at the age of 35, Ed Cowan announced his retirement from first-class cricket, ending a 15-year professional career that began with New South Wales in 2004.[18] The decision came immediately after New South Wales' 23-run defeat to Victoria in a Sheffield Shield match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking Cowan's final first-class appearance where he scored 6 and 0.[18][14] Cowan cited several motivations for his retirement, including a desire to step aside and provide opportunities for emerging talents, such as the "next Steve Smith," while prioritizing family time—particularly with his wife Virginia, who was expecting their first child later that year—and achieving greater work-life balance after years of demanding schedules.[24][25] He also expressed interest in transitioning to new career paths beyond cricket, including media opportunities and a planned round-the-world trip.[25] Over his first-class career spanning 143 matches for New South Wales and Tasmania, Cowan accumulated 10,097 runs at an average of 41.89, featuring 25 centuries and 48 half-centuries.[4] In total, across all domestic formats, Cowan scored more than 13,700 runs for the two states, underscoring his consistency as an opener.[26] Although he retired from first-class cricket, Cowan continued playing in Sydney's Premier Cricket competition for Sydney University through the remainder of the 2017–18 season and into 2019, before stepping away from competitive cricket entirely.[18][14]International career
Test debut and key matches
Ed Cowan made his Test debut for Australia on 26 December 2011 against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2011–12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, selected as opener to replace the injured Shane Watson.[27] In his first innings, he scored 68 runs off 177 balls, becoming the 18th Australian opener to register a half-century on debut and helping Australia reach 338 before India replied with 282.[28] Cowan contributed 8 in the second innings as Australia secured an innings victory by 122 runs, marking a composed start to his international career.[28] Retaining his position through the series, Cowan solidified his spot with consistent performances, including a crucial 74 off 120 balls in the third Test at Perth, where he partnered David Warner in an opening stand of 132 to set up Australia's innings total of 369 and an innings win.[29] His series aggregate of 196 runs at an average of 39.20 across four Tests contributed to Australia's 4–0 whitewash, establishing him as a reliable top-order presence amid a transitional Australian lineup.[5] Cowan achieved his maiden Test century in the first match against South Africa at Brisbane on 9 November 2012, scoring 136 off 296 balls in a marathon 388-minute innings that formed a 259-run partnership with captain Michael Clarke.[30] This knock, his highest in Test cricket, propelled Australia to 565 for 5 declared and a draw, rescuing the innings from early pressure and highlighting his defensive resilience on a batsman-friendly pitch.[31] In the 2013 Ashes series opener at Nottingham's Trent Bridge from 10 to 14 July, Cowan opened with 0 and 14 as Australia suffered a 14-run defeat in a thrilling finish, exposing vulnerabilities in the batting order.[32] His subsequent struggles with form, including low scores in warm-up matches, led to his omission from the second Test at Lord's, effectively ending his Ashes campaign and signaling a shift in selection strategy.[33]Overall international statistics and achievements
Ed Cowan represented Australia in 18 Test matches between December 2011 and July 2013, amassing 1,001 runs at an average of 31.28. His batting featured one century—a score of 136 against South Africa at Brisbane in November 2012—and six half-centuries, with his highest contributions coming in home conditions where he helped anchor the innings during transitional periods for the team.[34][1] Cowan's international Test career concluded after the first Ashes match against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from 10 to 14 July 2013, where he scored 0 and 14. He was subsequently dropped from the side amid a broader dip in form, having struggled in the lead-up tour of India earlier that year, scoring just 123 runs across four Tests at an average of 20.50. Despite this, his role in stabilizing Australia's fragile top order in the post-Michael Hussey era was widely acknowledged, particularly after Hussey's retirement in January 2013.[5] In One Day Internationals, Cowan played three matches during the 2011–12 season, scoring 41 runs at an average of 13.66, with a highest of 21. He did not feature in any Twenty20 Internationals. Key achievements in his brief international stint include contributing to Australia's dominant 4–0 home Test series whitewash over India in 2011–12 and the 3–0 sweep against Sri Lanka in 2012–13, where his consistent opening partnerships provided a solid foundation for the batting lineup.[35]| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | High Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 18 | 32 | 1,001 | 31.28 | 136 | 1 | 6 |
| ODIs | 3 | 3 | 41 | 13.66 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 |