Border-Gavaskar Trophy: A look back at three unsung heroes

2) Ed Cowan (2011-2012 Border Gavaskar Test series)

Australia had the 4 match won the Test series 4-0.

Ed Cowan, punching down one through mid off.

Another left-handed batsman, Ed Cowan was a regular feature in the Australian domestic side. Cowan hit a purple patch in the second half of 2011, where he went on to make four consecutive first-class hundreds before India’s tour to Australia.

While the regular opener Shane Watson was injured, Cowan’s national call-up was only a matter of time and he sealed it up with a century against the Indians in the practice match.

He made his debut at the boxing day Test against the Indians and scored a brilliant half-century (68). Cowan’s robust technique and solidity complemented David Warner’s aggressive style of batting and the pair tasted success throughout the series against India.

His inclusion into the Aussie line up was a welcome change as there was no regular established opener at that time.

International Test career

Matches:18, Innings:32, Runs:1001, Average:31.28

2011-2012 Border Gavaskar Test series

Matches:4, Innings:6, Runs:206, Average:34.33