Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Cosgrove helped Tasmania win the Sheffield Shield in 2011-12 and 2012-13

Batsman Mark Cosgrove will be heading back to play for South Australia once again after declining to sign a new two-year contract with Tasmania.

Tasmania believes that Cosgrove went back to South Australia “for personal reasons and to be closer to family and friends”.

During his four years with Tasmania, Cosgrove scored 2,514 Sheffield Shield runs at an impressive average of 40.54 and led the Tigers to Sheffield Shield glory in the 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Speaking about Cosgrove’s return, South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) high performance manager Jamie Cox said: “With Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson and Phil Hughes all enjoying stellar seasons with the bat, it is exciting to add another experienced head to the mix. He has been part of a very successful team at the Tigers over the last few years. After falling agonisingly short in the Sheffield Shield last year, it is hoped that he can bring some of that experience to the Redbacks.”

Cricket Tasmania general manager of cricket Andrew Dykes was sad to see Cosgrove leave, and said: “Mark was an integral part of the Tigers team over the past four seasons. Mark’s skill with the bat at the top of the order was a big contributor to Tasmania’s 2010-11 and 2012-13 Sheffield Shield wins.”