Cowan not shocked by snub

Test opener Ed Cowan admitted his lack of runs at the top of the order had cost him a Cricket Australia contract.

But he says he has new incentive to impress on the tour of the UK.

Cowan has played every Test for Australia since making his debut against India on Boxing Day 2011. But his average of 29.83 in 12 innings was not enough to win him a contract for 2012-13.

"I wasn't really shocked," Cowan said when asked about missing out on a contract.

"You tend to do the sums in your head and realise that you are going to be somewhere between 16 and 20 on the list, so I wasn't shocked but naturally I was disappointed.

"I have had a great opportunity to cement that spot at the top of the order and I probably haven't scored the runs that I should have.

"The whole conversation could have been ended pretty quickly with a couple of hundreds in the last seven Tests.

"Earning my way back onto the contract list is a really great incentive to keep the fire burning in the belly."

I have had a great opportunity to cement that spot at the top of the order and I probably haven't scored the runs that I should have.

Ed Cowan

Cowan, with three Test 50s but no 100s, is far from bitter at his admission and is driven to work his way into Cricket Australia's top 17.

"The communication (with Cricket Australia) has been really positive; they are happy with the role I am playing but like me, they just want more runs.

"I am feeling really at ease with my game, with Test cricket, and being able to not only contribute, but dominate.

"I play my best cricket batting lots of balls and lots of time and I think the team really needs someone at the top of the order to do that.

"There are shot-makers from two to six (in the Australian team), so for someone to bat some time and soak up some balls and allow the middle order to play some shots is an important role."

The gritty left-hander knows his spot is on the line and is determined to prove himself worthy of the baggy green.

"I feel secure in the knowledge that at my best I'm the person for the job and I understand if I don't play well someone else will get a chance," he said.

Australia are 4.50 to win the 2013 Ashes series.

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