Hooper stays at Lancashire
Stabroek News
June 19, 2003
The former West Indian captain, Carl Hooper, has agreed to play for Lancashire for the remainder of the 2003 season. Hooper, 36, had originally been brought in as shortterm cover for Harbhajan Singh, but when Singh failed to recover from a finger injury, Hooper was the obvious replacement.
"I'm delighted that Mike Watkinson asked me to stay," said Hooper. "I've really enjoyed my time here with Lancashire and it's a bonus to be able to work with the team over what should be a very exciting season."
Hooper has yet to hit top form with the bat this season, with a Championship best score of 74, but in Harbhajan's absence, his offspinners have proved effective. He took 5 for 52 in Lancashire's ten-wicket victory against Leicestershire at Liverpool.
Mike Watkinson, Lanca- shire's cricket manager welcomed Hooper's continued presence at Old Trafford: "Carl's been a valuable addition to the squad and even though we were looking forward to Harbhajan arriving, Carl has filled the position admirably and under the circumstances, I'm glad that he's decided to stay with us." (CricInfo)
