Cockbain and Gloucestershire extend contract

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Gloucestershire Cricket is delighted to announce that Ian Cockbain has extended his contract with the Club until the end of the 2022 season.

Ian, who made his First-Class debut for Gloucestershire in April 2011, signed for the Club having excelled during three seasons training and playing in the MCC Young Cricketers’ programme at Lord’s.

Cockbain has been in fine form for Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast in the shortened 2020 season. With over 350 runs at an average of 46.12, he has proven his importance to the Gloucestershire side that has reached the Quarter-Final stage of the Vitality Blast for the fourth time in just five seasons.

Speaking on his contract extension, Cockbain said: “I’m glad to be re-signing with Gloucestershire Cricket. It is the Club which gave me my first opportunity, Gloucestershire will always hold a special place in my heart. Bristol is a great place and is my home from home.

I believe I am playing better cricket than I ever have done. This puts me in a really good space now and I am looking forward to the future.”

The in-form Cockbain is currently ranked fourth in the Vitality Blast run scorers but is leading the way with the most sixes (22). Last season, Ian broke Hamish Marshall’s T20 appearance record and this summer he has gone on to beat another record for the Club, surpassing Michael Klinger’s T20 runs total. In doing so, he was also the first Gloucestershire player to reach the 3,000-run mark; a great achievement for the 33-year-old.

“I’m not particularly stats driven, I’m proud of being the top T20 run-scorer but wouldn’t have known unless I was told. I know it will be something I’ll look back on with a huge sense of pride.”

When asked what he is looking most forward to Ian said, “The Cheltenham Cricket Festival, which is the best two weeks of the season in my eyes, gets more special every year and I can’t wait to be back there in 2021.”

Gloucestershire Head Coach Richard Dawson added: “I’m delighted that Coey has extended his stay with Gloucestershire. He brings experience to the changing room, which he can pass on to younger players, and as seen this season continues to deliver top performances.”

Ian Cockbain is sponsored by Unitary Engineering Services for the 2020 season.