Cosgrove plans academy stint

Mark Cosgrove is set to turn his back on a second English county season and join the Centre of Excellence following a discussion with Andrew Hilditch, Australia's chairman of selectors. Cosgrove, who has regular battles to control his weight and fitness levels, was picked in the 30-man World Cup squad last week and intends to accept Hilditch's request to attend the off-season facility in Brisbane.

"Andrew and I have talked about going up to the Academy," Cosgrove told the Advertiser. "If the chairman of selectors wants you up there it would not be a wise move to do something different."

Cosgrove was invited to attend the Centre of Excellence last season but refused and instead went to Glamorgan for the winter. Australian officials want Cosgrove to improve his fitness so he can become an option as the one-day and Test squads are restructured following a host of retirements.

"Andrew asked me if I would be interested in going up there," Cosgrove, who has played three one-day internationals, said. "He didn't put any pressure on me but just said, 'It's your decision' and that was it.

"I think last year was a completely different scenario. To get the chance to play county cricket doesn't come around a lot for any player. It was a great experience and I think I benefited a lot out of going to Glamorgan."

Cosgrove said he would work on his bowling, fitness, training and batting if he went to the Centre of Excellence. "Now it will be interesting to go up to Brisbane and see what kind of ideas they've got," he said. "I will benefit from the whole package."