Sydney University opening batsman, Ed Cowan, passed 9000 runs in first-class cricket during the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart this afternoon.
Despite a first innings lead of 286, New South Wales batted a second time, and Cowan played with power and freedom, cutting and driving with plenty of authority. He reached his half-century from 63 deliveries, during an over in which he hammered three boundaries from the bowling of Hamish Kingston - a late cut, a square cut and a fierce drive past cover. He passed 9000 runs when he took his score to 66 by walking across his stumps and clipping left-armer James Faulkner behind square leg for 4.
Cowan is playing in his 131st first-class match, having made his debut in 2003 for Oxford University CCE against Middlesex. Over 4000 of his first-class runs were scored for his opponents today, Tasmania.
A short time ago, New South Wales declared at one for 128, a lead of 414. Cowan was unbeaten on 66, which gives him 9002 career runs at 40.36, of which he has scored 211 at 42.20 in three matches this season.