so happy to get a century with my parents and friends watching. He followed this in the next test with a knock of 28 (taking part in a 99 run partnership with Greg Chappell). "I value that 28 with Greg just as high as either of my test hundreds", said Cosier. "That sort of innings means something to the team. And to me." Cosier was taken to hospital after crashing into a boundary and knocking his head while fielding during South Australia's Gilette Cup semi-final loss to Queensland. He managed to recover and scored 94 and took 4–95 in a state game against Victoria. Against the West Indies for Australia in the fifth test he then scored 37 in the first innings. He injured his back during the game and did not bat in the second innings and was ruled out of the sixth test. Rick McCosker took his place. He recovered to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield that year. 1976–77 vs Pakistan Cosier made a slow start to the 1976–77 summer, and was lucky to keep his place in the test side against Pakistan. He also captained South Australia in a number of games. "I loved it", said Cosier. "People said it affected my batting but that's crap." Cosier said his innings of 42 against a Queensland attack led by Jeff Thomson was his best ever for South Australia. In the first test he made 33 in the first innings and was not out for 25 in the second, when he and Rod Marsh famously refused to go for a victory. Cosier later said "there's no way that I have had any second thoughts about the way Rod or I batted in Adelaide... I loved it." Cosier was much criticised, including by Ian Chappell in an article in Cricketer magazine in January 1977 which stated: I must confess I've still yet to be convinced that Cose is ready for test cricket. Last summer he earned his test place, and confirmed it with his century in Melbourne. But since then a question mark has arisen over his dedication to cricket, and also over his ability to play on wickets which are doing a bit. And he is definitely suspect outside his off stump. I'd like to see Gary work harder at his game. He appears to be overweight and I wonder how hard he is prepared to work