Ed Cowan opened up his County Championship season by scoring a half-century during Nottinghamshire's clash against Middlesex at Trent Bridge this afternoon.

The 30-year-old, who has been tipped to open the batting for Australia during this summer's Ashes in England, was eventually bowled out by Toby Roland-Jones for 61.

Cowan was Roland-Jones's third wicket of the innings, the 25-year-old having earlier dismissed England's Twenty20 duo Alex Hales (20) and Michael Lumb (0).

The first Ashes Test will get underway at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, July 10.

Written by
Liam Apicella