By Dave Buxton
February 28 2003

It has been confirmed today that fast bowler Ashley Cowan will miss the whole of the 2003 season after having surgery on his right knee.

Cowan Out For Season

It's a big blow for Ash to be ruled out of the entire season, but it's not a surprise. There was talk around Chelmsford last season that this would be the case so that he could recover from his knee operation and Essex Chief Executive David East confirmed just that:

"He (Ashley) has been advised by his consultants not to play during 2003 as the graft will take time to settle down.

There's no doubt that Ashley will be missed, but it is vital we give him the best chance of extending his career."

Cowan's right knee has been troubling him for some now. Last season was a prime example, due to the fact he had to restrict most of his appearances to just one-day matches due to his arthritic condition. This because he couldn't really cope playing long Championship games.

Not only is it a big blow for Ash, but so to for Essex. With Mark 'Ramble' Ilott having been released at the end of 2002 and now Cowan ruled out for 2003, it leaves Essex with only one real strike bowler, this being new overseas recruit Scott Brant of Australia. However, the lad is only 20 and so a lot of pressure will be put on him. You can see now why Essex have signed 3 pace bowlers in the winter months, knowing there was a chance Ash would be out for some time.

We at Scimitars wish Ashley all the best in recovering and hope he's back with a bang next season.

Remember, you heard this story here first from Robin Plummer on the messageboard! Essex news is always heard here first at Scimitars.

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Date: 28/2/03

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