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I’m playing my best cricket - Ian Cockbain

30 September 2020

“I’m now playing my best cricket and I know my game inside out, something which has come through experience.”

With more than 3000 runs and 120 matches in T20 cricket under his belt, it’s hard to argue with the experience of Ian Cockbain, and with over 350 runs this season striking at 175, it’s easy to see he’s playing the best cricket of his career.

The game is seemingly simplifying for the 33-year-old Gloucestershire batsman, who admitted not being allowed to play cricket earlier this summer gave him a mental break, and the chance to fall back in love with the game.

He speaks with clarity about hitting the ball hard from the word go, having the confidence to clear fielders on the ropes and manipulating the field. All recognisable aspects of his game so far through this condensed season, which could be another reason for his success.  “I’m such a rhythm player,” he says, “when things are going well, I’m keen to reinforce those good habits time and again.”

Ian reached new personal bests this season as well as becoming Gloucestershire’s all-time record T20 run scorer, showing his value to all onlookers: “Not getting picked up in The Hundred was a frustration for me, however after receiving feedback I was able to look at how I could improve my game, I’m happy that I’ve been able to set goals and execute them successfully this season. I’m looking forward to continuing doing this over the coming years.”

Twelve months may have passed since Australian opener Michael Klinger left the Club, but Cockbain was quick to point out that he certainly hasn’t been forgotten. “The approach of Maxy, the way he went about his business, his training ethos and his captaincy style were a huge part of having him around the team. I definitely took plenty from that.”

“We’ve spoken as a batting unit about scoring his runs and stepping up to that role. I’m glad I’ve been able to contribute through this campaign.”

An impressive group stage didn’t start out as such for Gloucestershire with one game rained off and an early loss at home to Glamorgan. “Our frustrating start gave us a chance to discuss our game plan, talk about taking our opportunities and playing without the fear of failure. We all seemed to gain clarity from those conversations” he said.

Gloucestershire’s record T20 run scorer is thriving on the challenges he faces batting at number three. “My biggest strength is being adaptable; the situation is different every time you get to the middle. I’m trying to create, or keep, pressure on the opposition. I’m looking at ways I could manipulate the field before I even get out there” he said.

With twenty-two 6s Cockbain has scored more maximums than anyone in the country this season, and is currently scoring a boundary off twenty-three per cent of the balls he faces. The fact that Wisden Cricket have two of his innings in their shortlist for the season suggests he’s not only scoring big, but scoring crucial runs for the team. Something which hasn’t happened by accident.

“One thing I’ve worked a lot on is being there at the end of the innings. Whether we’re batting first or second it generally means we’re well in the game.”

With his feet firmly on the ground, Ian speaks about what Gloucestershire fans can expect to see for the remainder of the tournament. “The same as what we’ve been in the tournament so far, we’ve played some brilliant cricket with bat and ball, and we pride ourselves on our fielding.”

“If we play our best game, I feel like we can beat anybody, so it’s about bringing our best game three more times.”  

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