Dean Cosker to be England's first 12th man for Ashes opener
Monday 6 July 2015 23:30, UK
Glamorgan’s veteran spinner Dean Cosker will be England’s 12th man for the first two days of the first Investec Ashes Test in Cardiff, which starts on Wednesday.
Cosker, 37, has performed the role before for England – at Lord’s and Old Trafford, and he is renowned for his fielding.
He was not included for Glamorgan’s ongoing Division Two match at Derbyshire, losing his place to Andrew Salter, so he is available for England duty.
“Cardiff is where I’ve played all my professional cricket so it’ll be a nice touch,” said Cosker.
“I think [Glamorgan chief executive] Hugh Morris holds my fielding in high regard so I was given the accolade.
The Ashes - Live
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the environment under new England coach Trevor Bayliss is all about and walking out in front of the Welsh public.
“You’ve got to enjoy the challenge and I know every inch of the SSE Swalec Stadium so I won’t be as nervous as I was at Lord’s!
“I’m looking forward to it even though it’s bitter-sweet because I’d like to have played in the Championship match at Chesterfield and tried to get the three wickets I need to get to 600 first-class wickets."
The first Investec Ashes Test is live from Cardiff on our dedicated Sky Sports Ashes channel from Wednesday, July 8.
