GLAMORGAN have been handed a double boost as they head to Lord’s looking to get over a disappointing start to the County Championship season, writes Chris Kirwan.

Glam suffered a heavy 201-run defeat to much-fancied Sussex in the first match of the season at the Swalec Stadium.

But they have a stronger side for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesex thanks to the return of Australian left-hander Mark Cosgrove and Gwent seamer David Harrison.

Big-hitting Cosgrove did not arrive from Down Under in time for the game in Cardiff while Harrison missed out with a tight left quad.

Glamorgan have not won at the home of cricket for 56 years and will be looking for a vast improvement on the Sussex clash.

“They were the better side in all aspects of the game,” said director of cricket Matthew Maynard. “It gives us something to aspire to and our skill levels have got to improve.

“It was a big loss but I think we played slightly better than it suggests, we have got to work on the small percentages.

“The loss of Adam Shantry and Harrison didn’t help but there are no excuses. There is plenty of room for improvement but it was our first game of the season and we will get better.”

James Harris needs just five wickets to become the youngest bowler to get 100 wickets for Glamorgan.

The 19-year-old fast bowler took eight wickets in the Sussex defeat, four in each innings.

Meanwhile, Cosgrove will be looking for a new state Down Under after missing out on a contract with South Australia.

“Mark has made a valuable contribution to South Australian cricket over many years and I certainly hope there are other opportunities out there for him,” said director of cricket Jamie Cox.

“We have worked hard with him during this time, but the unfortunate reality is that we were unable to help him fulfil his full potential.”