Mark Cosgrove Profile

Mark ‘Cozzie’ Cosgrove, is one of the few remaining ‘large’ athletes on the Australian sporting landscape. With the increasing ‘professionalisation’ of cricket, those who don’t fit a certain profile are frowned upon and encouraged to change.

Cosgrove is someone who has defied this in recent times and hence has become somewhat of a cult hero among cricket followers. ‘Cozzie’ has become a commonly used nickname by local players who are quick to identify a ‘wide’ member of the opposition or even their own side.

In 2010 Cozzie’s weight tragically saw him sacked by his home state South Australia after being shafted in and out of the side for some time. It was reported brilliantly by Robert Craddock in this article.

But he was thrown a lifeline by the smartest state in Australian domestic cricket, Tasmania, and they have since enjoyed the spoils of Cozzie’s talents – while he himself has enjoyed the spoils of not be forced to lose weight.

Jokes aside, Cosgrove’s first class record speaks for itself. With an average of 44 and 22 centuries tucked under his belt he is one of the best batsmen going around in the domestic scene. He strikes an imposing figure at the crease, both physically and with his aggressive stroke play, ala Darren Lehmann and Matthew Hayden (in fact, early on Cosgrove acquired the nickname ‘Baby Boof’ after his similarity to Darren Lehmann), and this is something the Australian team could really do with at the moment in both Tests and ODIs.

He can also bowl! He’s great for a part time cameo and can pick up some handy wickets – he has 38 of them in FCC.

Also think about what this would do for cricket off the field, Australia traditionally love their overweight cricketers. Cozzie would be an instant hit with the fans, he would generate a tonne of interest. We need characters like him in the game, it would be far more exciting to see him walking out to the crease in a one dayer than, say, George Bailey.

Here at TC Ink we want to see Cosgrove blow domestic cricket away this summer. A couple more centuries will have us screaming for his selection for at least ODIs. He could do so much for Australian cricket. And that is why Mark Cosgrove is a TC Ink Endorsed player.

Cosgrove Sheffield Shield Stats Season 2012/13
288 runs (2nd) at 72.00. 1 hundred, 2 fifties.
2 wickets (26th) at 22.50.