England’s uncapped wicketkeeper-batter has turned out to be the saviour for a struggling Adelaide Strikers. The Peter Siddle-led side was struggling after an inconsistent run but Cockbain was one of the reasons why the Strikers have made it to the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 playoffs with a comprehensive win against Sydney Sixers in their final league game.
Not long ago, Cockbain was playing for Langwarrin Cricket Club in Victoria as his wife who is from Adelaide came to Australia. The 34-year-old was not even on Strikers' list but he was roped in for the ending stages of the season last week.
In his third BBL appearance, Cockbain not only anchored the run chase but helped his side register a comprehensive win by chasing down the 162-run target with 15 balls to spare. Batting at no.3, the Liverpool-born cricketer scored an unbeaten 71-run knock off 42 deliveries including five fours and four sixes. He shared crucial partnerships with opener Matt Renshaw and Jonathan Wells to take his team home. Renshaw was the second-highest run-scorer with 50 runs off 31 deliveries.
Earlier Fawad Ahmed’s 3/16 helped Strikers restrict Sixers for 161/7. Apart from Justin Avendano’s 29-ball 51 laced with five sixes, no Sixers’ batter made a mark as they posted a mediocre total at Adelaide Oval.
Strikers' turnaround, another opportunity for Cockbain
With 28 points from 14 games including six wins, Siddle-led Strikers made it to the knockout stage. Strikers saved their best for last as they registered four consecutive wins. Cockbain made his BBL debut after Rashid Khan’s record six-wicket haul rejuvenated their chances to reach playoffs with a massive win over Brisbane Heat.
Against Perth Scorchers, he scored a sensible unbeaten 35-run knock in an easy run chase after Strikers’ bowlers restricted them for 127/9. In his second match, he could score a 17-run knock against Melbourne Stars. But Cockbain’s best performance came at a right time as he grabbed the attention of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings for the upcoming season. He replaced an injured Tom Abell in the league.
The BBL playoffs will begin from January 21 as four more fixtures at the league stage remain. It is yet to be announced who Strikers will go up against in the playoffs.
