Big Bash star Ian Cockbain to play with MPCA club Langwarrin

The English batter who took the Big Bash by storm is returning to Melbourne to play with a Mornington Peninsula club.

Ian Cockbain batting for the Adelaide Strikers in January. Pic: Mark Brake/Getty Images

He led the Big Bash League batting averages with 59.75 last season.

And now Adelaide Strikers sensation Ian Cockbain will blast off in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, linking again with Provincial division club Langwarrin.

The Englishman played seven games with Langwarrin last season before being plucked by the Strikers after Covid swept through the league.

Cockbain grabbed his chance by blasting 239 runs in six games, including a blistering 71no off 42 balls against the Sydney Sixers that secured a finals berth for the Strikers.

He was unluckily overlooked for this year’s BBL, and Langwarrin has secured his services again.

Ian Cockbain (centre) playing for Langwarrin last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Langwarrin president Gary Rees said Cockbain’s visa was approved on Tuesday and the 35-year-old would fly into Melbourne next week, in time to play against Sorrento on November 5.

“There’s a different aura about him now after he did what he did,’’ Rees said.

“He will probably cause a bit more worry to opposition. I just hope he whacks some.’’

Rees said Cockbain would play with Langwarrin for the rest of ther season, including finals.

“Unless he gets picked up by the Big Bash again he’ll be here for all the games and the finals,’’ he said.

“He got another contract (in England) with someone but it’s just for T20 so he doesn’t have to be back as early, so he’ll be right to play finals and everything.’’

Langwarrin has won its opening two games this season, with skipper Chris Brittain in early form with 34 and 95no.