Cockbain commits to Gloucestershire

The 27-year-old, who joined the Bristol club three years ago, had an impressive 2014 in which he made his highest scores in first-class and List A cricket.

A gritty 151 not out, in which he batted for nearly nine hours, rescued a draw in the LV= County Championship clash against Surrey, while a sparkling unbeaten 98 lifted Gloucestershire into the quarter-finals of the Royal London One-Day Cup after victory over Worcestershire.

Cockbain, who began his career in Lancashire's second XI side, is now hoping to nail down a regular spot in the first team and prove himself following the departures of Will and Alex Gidman in the close season.

"I believe there are some very exciting times coming up for our squad," he said.

"It was obviously a big loss to see the Gidman brothers leave, but this has now presented a fantastic challenge and opportunity for me to step up as one of the senior guys and to take on more responsibility in the group."