Cobb contender for Leicester Mercury Sports Award

Date: Wednesday 17 December 2008

County batsman Josh Cobb is a contender for a Leicester Mercury Sports Award for 2008.

The teenager has had a year to remember. Less than a week after his 18th birthday, Leicestershire County Cricket Club's rising star scored his maiden century in first-class cricket at Lord's.

His magnificent knock 148 not out for the Foxes against Middlesex at the home of cricket was the highlight of the summer, and selection for England Under-19s followed.

All of these achievements have led to Josh being a contender in the Young Sportsman of the Year category of the Mercury Sports Awards.

The nomination not only recognises his achievements on the field, but also his desire off it.

Cobb suffered a broken thumb early in the campaign when playing for Oakham School, but put that behind him with hard work and dedication to ensure he had a great summer.

Senior coach Tim Boon is full of praise for Cobb. He said:"Josh has just been to South Australia, to the Darren Lehmann Academy, and that has been another challenge for him.

"Our aim is to give him as much top-class cricket as possible. He is an exceptional player."

A minor knee injury curtailed the trip to Australia, but his rehabilitation is in place to ensure he makes the England Under-19s tour to South Africa - his first at international level - in January. He will be joined by teammates James Taylor and Nathan Buck.

The full article that appeared in the Leicester Mercury is available below: