Red-haired, stocky and popular, Gary Cosier was an aggressive middle-order batsman who sometimes attacked when a more defensive approach was called for. He was given every chance at international level, playing 18 Tests, but never really established himself. He smashed a hundred on debut against West Indies in 1975-76 and 168 against Pakistan in 1976-77, but technical deficiencies - he had almost no backlift and relied on power rather than finesse - were exposed at Test level. He bowled gentle medium-pacers which, given the right conditions, swung alarmingly - against England in an one-dayer at Edgbaston in 1977 he took 5 for 18 - but was not really used in Tests where his first wicket didn't come until his 13th match. He was also an excellent close fielder. He began his career with South Australia, moved to Queensland in 1977-78 in a deal reported to be worth £30,000 a year, and ended with two outings for Victoria in 1981-82. Cosier now manages the cricket complex in Tangier and coaches the Morocco side.
Martin Williamson