Uncapped Guyana Jaguars off-spinner Eon Hooper said he’s looking to give a “150 percent” and help his team defend their title if called upon, after being selected to fill the big shoes of West Indies Test bowler Devendra Bishoo.
Yesterday the Berbician, who was named as the leg-spinner’s replacement after Bishoo was named in the West Indies team for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, told Stabroek Sport that cementing a place in the side, as well as helping the team retain their Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day title, are among his goals.
“First of all, I want to work towards what Bishoo has been doing, and try to do better than that if I can. I also want to try and stay in the team, follow his (Bishoo’s) footsteps, and work towards my own goals,” said Hooper.
A product of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC), the 26 year-old who is expected to make his debut sooner than later, initially earned his call up after snapping up 44 wickets in the Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker, whilst bagging a few more wickets during the recent Jaguars practice match.
Speaking on the occasion of being asked to possibly represent Guyana this season,
Hooper said he was very proud of himself and credited hard work, as well as help from his coach, as factors behind his tremendous bowling form lately.
“My coach has been giving me advice on where to bowl, so I try to work towards what he says, because in a bad situations you just need to give a hundred percent, and for me, I just want to try and give 150 percent if Ican”.
As the only newbie in the star-studded Guyana Jaguars team, the spinner said he expects to learn as much as possible from his senior teammates who he acknowledged have lots of experience at this level, which should allow him to groove in smoothy.
“I just plan on listening to the senior guys, and the other bowlers as much as possible who I know will help me out, so I want to give them 150 percent and help make Guyana and myself proud,” he concluded.
The Jaguars commence their PCL Regional 4-Day title defense today against the Jamaica Scorpions at the Providence Stadium, at 9:30am.
