From Indoor School to England

Date released: 24 July 2009

12th man: MCC's Ian Cockbain MCC Young Cricketer (YC) Ian Cockbain spoke to Lords.org - after he spent the Ashes Test at Lord's with the England squad as 12th man.

Cockbain opens the batting for the YCs but has endured a frustrating season after breaking his toe in the opening match.

Things turned full circle for the likeable Lancastrian when England arrived for the Ashes Test at Lord's - and he was given the nod to join the squad as 12th man.

Speaking to Lords.org we asked him how he was selected for the honour:

"A few of us [MCC Young Cricketers] get picked for 12th man duties, helping in the nets. I didn't really get involved with the [England] players, it's mostly the bowlers. As a batsman I was just hanging around the Indoor School, doing my own thing.

MCC Head Coach, Mark Alleyne "Our coach, Mark Alleyne, picks who gets the 12th man duties on the match days. On Wednesday he just pulled me to one side, asked if he could have a word with me and if I'd like to do 12th man duties for the full five days.

"Normally we only get to do one day as it's shared around a bit so I was made up. I didn't hesitate, it was a great opportunity. I was just one of the lucky ones I guess.

With the England squad staying at a hotel nearby, Cockbain's match-day involvement with the team didn't start until the squad arrived:

"I'd get in around 8:30 - everyone was in by half past nine or quarter to ten and we'd go down to do the warm-up.

Cockbain was spotted on the outfield during England's warm-up playing football - the YC was in goal, perhaps put there as the new kid?

MCC YC's Cockbain and Ned Eckersley carry the drinks "No, it wasn't like that. I'm a bit of a goalie so I volunteered.

"After that it was just waiting around in the changing room, seeing if anyone wanted any drinks or anything."

'Nerve-wracking'

With the team out on the field, Cockbain was left in the dressing room watching the action from the players' balcony - with an extra-keen eye on his England 'team-mates':

"I'd be keeping an eye out, see if anyone needed anything brought out to them, a jumper or whatever. Then, when a wicket went down I'd take the drinks out.

"Each day the coaching staff ask which 12th man is the designated fielder. On the fourth day I was lucky enough to get out on the field.

"It was quite nerve-wracking but I was praying for the ball to come to me.

Cockbain and the England backroom team kept a close eye on the injured Pietersen "I usually field at point or cover but early on I was out on the boundary so I wasn't involved much. Later I was moved in closer and got a couple of touches which really settled me down."

Having had a taste of Test Match action and the amazing atmosphere at Lord's did Cockbain find himself willing the injured Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff or Graham Onions to come off for a rest or treatment?

"I wouldn't wish an injury on any player. We were aware of the players with injuries - the backroom staff would let us know - so it was always in the back of your mind."

Made to feel welcome

Mixing with the country's best cricketers was the 22-year-old Cockbain a little star-struck?

Hanging with the 'in' crowd: Cockbain and England's Matt Prior "A bit - they're some of the best cricketers in the world. But they were all fantastic, I was made to feel very welcome.

"They'd all have a chat with you. I know Andrew [Flintoff] from back home and being around Lancs, I actually played with a mate of his - so that helped a bit.

"He's a big hero of mine though."

"Taking instructions onto the field was a bit intimidating. I was thinking: 'Who am I to be telling the England captain what do do?' but it was just messages from the coach.

"Just reminders of plans, mentioning the hours of play so they knew what was going on after the rain delays we had."

Photo-call

So what has Cockbain taken from the experience - both in terms of practical lessons and mementos:

Flintoff: Signed Cockbain's cap as a memento "It was just a fantastic experience. The intensity - everything was at such a high level.

"I had to give the England kit back unfortunately - but I did get to keep a cap, which I got Andrew [Flintoff] to sign. It's up on my wall.

"There are a few newspapers lying around our changing room that the lads found, with my picture in the paper. I'm sure my Nan's got a few of them too.

"After the game I was just walking around the Ground and this lady spotted me and recognised me as 12th man. She wanted to have a photo.

"Her husband was from Liverpool so we had a chat - he said it was nice to see a fellow Scouser doing well.

"Some of the [YC] lads ribbed me a bit - asking for photos too!

So, after his brush with fame is it a comedown to be back with the YCs and the Second XI Championship - and what are Cockbain's plans for the rest of the season?

"It's not [a comedown] at all, it's great to be back into things.

"I've missed six weeks earlier in the season as I broke my toe. It was the first ball of the season and I got hit right on the toe.

"I missed a couple of matches because of that and tried to come back too early but in a club match I got hit again, right on the same toe and that really messed things up.

Cockbain celebrates a century in Bristol "It's great to be playing some cricket and hopefully getting some momentum up again.

"I missed that six weeks and then we had time off during the World Cup [ICC World Twenty20]. I ended last season really well with a century at Gloucester so hopefully I can get going again now."

One of Cockbain's nicknames amongst his team-mates is "Mini" a result of being the son of a former first-class cricketer - his father (Ian Cockbain Snr.) played for Lancashire in the 80s.

"It is a bit of pressure but also inspiration - it's just good to have someone to talk to who's been there.

"I've got a younger brother, he's nine. He's a bowler and he's big for his age. He plays school-boy cricket for Formby but Dad wants him to play for his old club Bootle!

As a Lancashire lad, how did Cockbain end up as an MCC Young Cricketer at Lord's, in London?

"It was a big deal moving away from home but I wasn't getting much of a look-in at Lancs as the squad there is just so big.

"This is just a great opportunity and a chance to be in the shop window.

"Obviously my first choice would be to get a contract with Lancs but I'd take my chance anywhere really - it'd be great to get a first-class contract.

As an opening batsman does Cockbain have his eye on Andrew Strauss or Alastair Cook's place?

"Maybe - Strauss might have retired by the time I get there so there'll be a slot."