Cosgrove suspended

The South Australian Cricket Association's high performance committee has suspended the playing contract of Mark Cosgrove due to the unsatisfactory state of his fitness and physical condition. After reviewing fitness test results, the committee found that the 21-year-old batsman has failed to present himself fit and in first-class physical condition to play at the best of his ability - a requirement within his contract.

The committee also found that Cosgrove had failed to abide by all reasonable policies and instructions as issued by the SACA, which was also a requirement of his contract. As part of the suspension, Cosgrove would not be considered for any state selection, would not be required at training, and has had his contract payment suspended for one month.

Cosgrove would be set a series of weight and fitness targets by South Australian Sports Institute fitness consultants and Wayne Phillips, the coach, that he must achieve by November 1, 2005. The suspension would be in place until October 31, 2005, at which time further fitness tests would take place to assess if Cosgrove had met his targets.