Cowan hints about batting at 'first drop' in first Ashes Test

Australian cricketer Ed Cowan has strongly hinted that he will bat at the first drop, despite not making it as an opener, in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Cowan made 58 at first drop in the first innings of the tour match against Worcestershire, his first hit after new coach Darren Lehmann confirmed Chris Rogers and Shane Watson would open the batting in the Ashes, The Age reports.

Stating that the selectors were always eyeing the number three spot for him with Rogers coming into the squad, Cowan said that it was good for him to get some runs to nail down the spot, adding that things are still looking positive for him in terms of playing that first Test.

According to Cowan, Lehmann has advised the batsmen to score many runs so that they cannot help but get picked, adding that playing in the number three spot was not much of a shock to him.

The report further said that Cowan would have another chance to bat in the tour match, adding that the other main contender for the No.3 spot is Usman Khawaja.

Expressing that he was disappointed about being moved from his natural position, Cowan however, said that if the No.3 position was good enough for former captain Ricky Ponting, it would be also good enough for him, adding that he was disappointed as he felt that he was improving in the opener position.

Stating that he had felt that he was one of the few players who still had their head above water during the India tour, Cowan further said that he did a good job against the best attack in the world when Australia played South Africa, adding that he had been opening for Nottinghamshire for the last three months.

But Cowan said that he is happy to bat anywhere, adding that it is a great honour to be selected to play in an Ashes Test.