Cooper, Hosein to play for Leewards

After being overlooked by the selectors of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Cooper was understandably disappointed but is looking to show the Leewards they made the right choice in selecting him.

“After I passed the bowling test in December I made myself available, participated in trial matches and still wasn’t selected.

Obviously I’m disappointed that I was not selected but I am not surprised because of the way cricket is being run here in TT ,” he said. Well when one door closes another one opens and the T20 veteran of 149 games was grateful for the opportunity to play cricket at this level again after two years.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in Leeward Islands Cricket who made this possible, from the president Enoch Lewis, Chief Operations Officer (COO ) Vernon Springer, coach Reginald Benjamin and captain Kieran Powell. I will give 100 percent for my team because this is something I love to do and I am anxious to rebound from my rough 2016. Also, I hope I can share some experiences with my new teammates,” he declared.

Reflecting on his last year, the former Rajasthan Royals IPL player, explained, “2016 was a very rough year for me in terms of my bowling action being questioned and reported. After the Bangladesh Premier League I went to the Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India and I passed the bowling test. So I’m happy to be back and hopefully I can contribute in anywhere I can.” Commenting on the emotional roller coaster of doing yet another bowling test, Cooper admitted, “I was a bit nervous for the test but God is good. I am feeling more relieved now as I got that out of the way. Hopefully I can get back into the T20 circuit especially in the Indian Premier League and continue to ply my trade and fulfil my dream.” While preparing for the cricket season this year, the 27-yearold had a busy Christmas period on and off the field but enjoyed it a lot.

“I was happy to be part of the Bravo XI vs Cooper XI (charity match), Darren (Bravo) got the idea of having the charity football match that was held on December 30 for the people of Santa Cruz after he attended mine in Arima 10 days earlier,” he said. Suiting up for Bravo XI were Sheldon Bateau, Kenwyne Jones, Derron Davis, Stephan David and resident players of Santa Cruz. The guest team Cooper XI won the match 4-1 with a star studded team comprising of Kevin Molino, Joevin Jones, Mikhail Williams, Stern John, Clayton Ince, Shane Calderone and cricketers Lendl Simmons and Rayad Emrit.

At Cooper’s Family Day there was a five-team football tournament and activities for children such as face paintings, bouncy castles, refreshments and gifts.

“We as national athletes can try and motivate the youths to a better direction in life with us leading by example. As role models in the country we are trying to inspire youths to let them know that sport is a way of life, it can also be seen as doing something you like and getting paid,” he pointed out.