cochrane was the second son of rev. david crawford cochrane, master of etwall hospital (almshouses) and his wife jane tomlinson. he was born moka, mauritius where his father was at the time chaplain to the bishop. he was educated at repton school and made his debut for derbyshire in the 1884 season in august against lancashire, when he took 6 for 51. he played two more matches for derbyshire during the season. he also played football for derby county in 1884 in its pre-league days.