Hero Cowan reckons Scots bowled ’em over

May 9 2008

ED Cowan helped the Saltires to a memorable two-run victory over Lancashire in the Friends Provident series on Monday – and then heaped praise on the Scots bowlers.

Scotland are starting to see the best of Uddingston’s overseas professional, and the 25-year-old batted 41 of the Saltires’ 155-run total.

Ed was delighted as the Saltires made amends for a heavy defeat by Lancashire last Sunday, and believes he’s starting to get used to the pace.

The strong Lancashire side featured the likes of Andrew ‘Freddy’ Flintoff, and Cowan said: “Considering the strength of the team and the defeat we suffered last Sunday, we played particularly well.

“The difference this time was the bowlers — they definitely won us the game this time, no about it, with Dewald Nel, John Blain, Fraser Watts and Craig Wright knocking out the top-order batsmen.

“And the way Gordon Drummond held his nerve at the end was first-class.”

Cowan added: “It’s slowly starting to come together for me.

“It’s hard coming from Australia and the different conditions at this time of year, but I’m slowly getting used to the pace of the wickets and the balls that are flying in.

“There are five more games to go in the Friends Provident Trophy, so hopefully we can get ourselves up there.”

Cowan also played an integral part as Uddingston trounced Ferguslie by 10 wickets at Bothwell Castle Policies.

The Australian batted 88 of the Villagers’ 171 total with 13 overs to spare, and he said: “We didn’t play as well as we did last week, but we still won convincingly.

“There are a few things to work on and keep improving, but we’re in good touch and we’re joint-top of the league just now.

“However, it’s a long season, so ask me how we’re doing in June or July!”