Cook set to make Glamorgan debut

3 Sep 2018 | Matches
Head Coach Robert Croft has made four changes to his squad ahead of Glamorgan’s Specsavers County Championship clash against Derbyshire.

Craig Meschede is ruled out after picking up a groin strain against Warwickshire at Colwyn Bay, but Timm van der Gugten returns after dislocating his shoulder against Surrey in Glamorgan’s final Vitality Blast match.  

New overseas signing Stephen Cook could make his Glamorgan debut after linking up with the Welsh county for the remainder of the season as their overseas player. Meanwhile, off-spinner Kieran Bull features in Glamorgan’s red-ball squad for the first time this season after impressing with both bat and ball for the county’s second XI.  

South Africa opening batsman Cook, has amassed over 14,000 First-Class runs during his career at an average over 40, and now wants to use his experience to help Glamorgan’s young stars while also contributing with the bat in the county’s final four games of the season. 

"It was a little last minute but sometimes that’s how things are meant to be,” said Cook. “I'm glad to be here now and ready to get out there on the field. 

“My inclusion is a multifaceted approach but obviously runs are what matter and a bit of experience at the top of the order. 

“It is more than that though, I bring level-headedness and hopefully I can make a difference to the younger guys on and off the field, while adding value in whichever way I can. 

Cook believes he can be a composed figure in the dressing room and can help others progress in the same way he developed his own cricketing education back in South Africa.

“I feel I'm at that stage of my career where I reflect on my younger years,” added Cook. “I was blessed to have guys like Neil McKenzie and Adam Bacher around my domestic changing room who I learnt a lot of the game from. I’m at that stage now where I can pay that forward and make a difference.  

“It is very similar I have back home with the Lions, being the senior player and trying to bring on some of the younger players so it’s a role I am familiar with. If you can push a few buttons and flick a few switches that bring out good performances like guys have done in my career, then it would be a great honour to say that you have played a part in that development.’’

Glamorgan 12-man squad to face Derbyshire: Hogan ©, Cook, Brown, Cullen, Lloyd, Carlson, Cooke, Wagg, Bull, Smith, TVDG, Lawlor