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In 15 Tests, Ed Cowan has scored 831 runs, one century and five half centuries at a below par average of 32 and it would seem his moment of truth has come.
Selectors and coach Mickey Arthur have constantly backed up and supported the battling opening, stating he is the perfect partner for the aggressive David Warner.
But other than his century against South Africa, 74 in Perth and 68 in Melbourne against India, Cowan has flown under the radar for most of his short career.
However Cowan should be given a last chance in these last two Test matches in Mohali and New Dehli for one reason: Despite having scored 300 odd runs less than David Warner and averaging 10 less than him, Cowan has faced more balls at the crease than Warner.
If you have a look at the stats, Cowan has nine innings scores between 20 and 45 out of 26 innings.
Cowan has also faced 301 balls this series so far and he has looked fairly good – bar the first innings in Hyderabad, where he copped a shocker of a decision.
Cowan will never be like David Warner, Matthew Hayden or Michael Slater. He will always let the bowler bowl to him, and leave the balls outside off stump, like Mark Taylor.
Obviously he will never be as good as Taylor either, but he can certainly play the role Taylor did at his peak.
Cowan has the ability to stay at the crease for long periods of time and work hard.
At 31, Cowan is running out of chances but the selectors have been brave to stick by him and support him. Matthew Hayden, arguably Australia’s best opener, took seven years to cement his spot in the Australian side and he did so in India.
Obviously Cowan did not debut when he was 23 and doesn’t have the potential to be a Hayden, but he has the last two Tests of this series to cement his spot for the Ashes.
If Cowan fails to score a century or produce three or four sizeable scores, his career may end, which may see Shane Watson return to the opening position full-time or another player replace him come July.
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