The SACA’s decision to sack potential match winner Mark Cosgrove has come as a complete shock to many in the cricket community.
Cosgrove has played for Australia, and while his form last season wasn’t outstanding, it surely was good enough for the Redbacks to persist with a home grown player for at least another season.
It seems, however, that they wish not to anymore.
Cosgrove will depart for Glamorgan in the County Championship, with plenty to prove to cricket power brokers in Adelaide, and no doubt will do the same when he returns to Australian domestic cricket.
SACA Director of Jamie Cox said that he believes two other states are interested in Cosgrove’s services.
“Mark has made a valuable contribution to South Australian cricket over many years, and I certainly hope there are other opportunities out there for him,” Cox said.
“We have worked hard with him during this time, but the unfortunate reality is that we were unable to help him fulfill his full potential.”
It seems as though the Redbacks have had enough with his weight and form inconsistencies, but last season was far from his worst and players in the County Championship have made careers out of having seasons like Cosgrove’s 2009/10 every year.
Cosgrove’s 511 at 42 in the Shield, combined with his five one day matches that yielded 204 runs at 40.80, will have some States very excited about the prospect of drafting in the former one day international cricketer.
One of the likely suitors for Cosgrove could be Tasmania.
Tasmania did an excellent job in recycling for New South Wales batsman Ed Cowan this season and could possibly do the same with Cosgrove.
West Australia’s appointment of Mickey Arthur could also serve as a lifeline for Cosgrove, with the coach’s strict approach being something that might draw out Cosgrove’s full potential.
The Redbacks’ decision to part company with Cosgrove lacks sense and the rumour of Graham Manou being replaced as skipper by Callum Ferguson should make for an interesting off-season at the Adelaide Oval.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
The conclusion of the Sheffield Shield season, here's the announcement of the players and teams who have succeeded - and failed - this year.
The last round of the Sheffield Shield, and finally, we have our two finalists! Keep reading to find out who made it to the…
The second last round of the Sheffield Shield, and competition for the first two spots is heating up! Keep reading to find out who…
Alex Carey has taken a world record-equalling eight catches in an innings for South Australia in their domestic one-day cup clash with Queensland. Five…
Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne were unable to lift Queensland out of the mire against New South Wales as 13 wickets fell…
Ten South Australian cricketers who were evicted from a nightclub are under investigation for alleged breaches of COVID-19 rules. Police evicted the Redbacks cricketers…
