ACADEMICAL REPORT 2021

2021 signifies the end of an era – after seven seasons, 120 matches, and the longest tenure of captaincy in Academicals modern history, Captain Andrew Cosh (EA 1994–2003) passes on the baton to former Academy 1st XI Captain Max Banks (EA 2002–07).

ACADEMICALS 1ST XI

The season got off to a flyer, defeating Stewart’s Melville in the Premiership Super 8’s. A superb 147 run partnership between Max and Omais Altaf, ensured a solid win by 5 wickets. Beginning our Championship campaign, Max scored a match-winning 67* against Kelso, and Jack Mackinnon (EA 2000–13) took a brilliant 3 for 19.

One of the biggest wins of the season came against Grange. Max top-scoring with 69 and sensational bowling by Soyeb Khanusiya, 4 for 22, and Zabi Hamedee, 3 for 29, saw a resilient team performance to defend 146. Another highlight was defeating Clackmannan, instigated by a quick-fire 44 from Praba Kuppusamy and an incredible last wicket partnership of 82 runs between Zabi and Safi took Academicals to 240. Outstanding bowling from Safi and Soyeb guided Academicals to a 131-run victory.

A strong win against Edinburgh CC saw Andrew, 54, and Omais, 32, set the foundation as Academicals reached 187. A good initial response by Edinburgh CC was thwarted by solid bowling from Max, 3 for 13, and Jack Mackinnon, 2 for 7, and excellent wicket-keeping by Andrew taking three top order stumpings.

Overall, a solid season with a mid-table finish in the Championship. Max Banks excelled as one of the Championship’s highest run-scorers, 325 with an average of 40.63, and Soyeb as a leading wicket-taker with 24. Academicals have an excellent core team, but catches really do win matches so improvements are required to strengthen the fielding at the top level.

ACADEMICALS 2ND XI

Congratulations to Academicals 2nd XI who finished third in Division 2. Captain Yogesh Khanchi was the second highest run-scorer in Division 2, 573 runs with an average of 57.30. Tamal Banerjee and Imtiaz Khan also featured highly, scoring 511 and 507 runs, respectively. Himanshu Tatla was the top bowler with 15 wickets and best figures of 5 for 16.

NEW MEMBERS AND A CAPTAIN TO REMEMBER

We welcomed back a few Academicals this season, including Jack Mackinnon and Calum Huntington (EA 2008–13). Jack showcased great potential as a swing bowler and Calum proved to be a hard-hitting batsman and a phenomenal fielder. As we look to build strong links with the School, we warmly encourage any new talent to get involved next season.

A few words need to be said about Andrew Cosh’s tenure as Club Captain. When taking over the captaincy in 2015 the Club’s fortunes were at a low ebb. His efforts on and off the field has seen a real rejuvenation in the Club. An opening batsman, he scored a century on his debut as Captain and is one of the Academical’s leading all-time run-scorers, 4171 runs with an average of 31.45, and has won the league’s highest run-scorer award three times. Cosh is the only batsman to win the Division 1 and Championship awards in successive years, and holds the record for the highest opening partnership for the Club, and Championship, (alongside Max) of 258 against Freuchie in 2018. A wicket-keeper like his grandfather, Major S.H. Cosh MBE (EA 1930–38), Cosh held 118 catches and was the league’s leading catcher in 2015, 2017 and 2018. He plays for the Marylebone Cricket Club, and will captain the fixture against the School, taking over from Stuart Moffat (EA 1982–95) and also takes on the role of Vice President of EACC (so he is not escaping just yet!). Andrew has certainly elevated the Club into a far stronger position than he found it and I am extremely grateful for all his hard work and support.

As ever, the track and facilities at New Field were excellent and the Club is grateful for the School’s continued support. The Club is now on a trajectory towards a return to Raeburn Place that is very much in sight. A combination of this and a desire to restore a junior section supported by professional coaching staff will certainly lift the Club’s status and ensure a bright future.

Charles Robertson (EA 1972–85) President