Cosker keen to test Pietersen

Dean Cosker, one of his earliest opponents, is relishing the chance to take on the superstar batsman again - having twice dismissed him already, albeit he admits at the cost of a few runs too.

Cosker is a veteran mainstay in the Glamorgan team set to face Pietersen in his first championship foray since 2013, and only his eighth in four seasons since he moved to Surrey.

The 37-year-old was one of several representatives from county clubs speaking at Wednesday's England and Wales Cricket Board launch of the new championship season.

Pietersen risked antagonising prospective opponents this summer, as he tries to restate his case for an England recall after his sacking 14 months ago, when he recently described some of them as "muppets".

But if any have taken offence, the measured Cosker is not among them.

That does not mean he will be shy, though, when his chance comes on April 19 to see off Pietersen again - and uphold the traditional success left-arm orthodox bowlers have often had against the record-breaking batsman.

"Luckily enough, we've got a left-arm spinner that might be able to get him out," Cosker said, with a grin. "That's the plan."

Cosker is not about to hold it against Pietersen if there was an implied dismissal of the talents of some in county cricket.

"I don't think professional players really take that on board," he said.

"Every professional cricketer has that professional pride, so I don't think it needs anyone to rile them in that way.

"I've always been taught to respect the game in any way you can. As soon as you start disrespecting the sport, then it gets a little bit awkward.

"It's respecting your opposition, whoever they are, and I'm sure Kevin has played against worse, and better, players than myself.

"So it's all about humility and respect."

Success against Pietersen, in just Glamorgan's second fixture of their Division Two season, will have only a fleeting impact on their fortunes.

In the more medium term, Cosker - who won the championship as a teenager when Glamorgan last earned the silverware in 1997 - is both realistic and optimistic.

"It's a bit if a Catch 22 really, because we've got quite a limited number of professional players in our squad.

"I think our first XI is pretty strong - but it's the strength in depth of squads (that often counts).

"If we can challenge for promotion, that would be good.

"We've got a lot of young guys who haven't got a lot of first-class experience, and on the other flip-side we have four of five with quite a lot of it.

"So it's just finding that balance to maintaining that consistent level through the season."