Hooper replaces Shepherd for ‘pink ball’ clash

Off-spinner Eon Hooper returns to the Guyana Jaguars squad for their encounter against Barbados Pride in the fourth round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Digicel Four-Day 2016/17. The match is a day/night fixture, which would be played at the Guyana National Stadium, from December 9-12, starting at 15:00h each day.

Hooper made his regional debut against Jamaica Scorpions in round one, but had to make way for pacer Romario Shepherd for the second and third rounds against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Windward Islands Volcanoes. But returning home, the defending champions opted for the slower bowler on a spinner friendly Providence wicket.

Hooper did not take a wicket in his debut match, but bowled economically and created pressure at his end. He bowled 19 overs for 47 runs, including seven maiden overs. No doubt he would be looking for a better outing in the match.

The full squad reads: Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh (Vice Captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Eon Hooper, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, and Christopher Barnwell. The Coach is Esuan Crandon, the Assistant Coach/Manager is Rayon Griffith, and the Physio is Beverley Nelson.

This match-up is a top-of-the-table clash as Jaguars and Pride are neck-to-neck in the race. Jaguars are on 33.6 and Pride on 33.4. The Hurricanes are not far behind on 29.4, followed by Scorpions on 28.6, then Red Force on 27 and Volcanoes on 17.6.