By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Young batting sensation Nicolas Pooran is set to feature in this year’s Etobicoke & District Cricket League Elite limited-over tournament representing Redemption Sports Club (RSC) from early May.
Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies celebrates after reaching his century during the recently held ICC U-19 World Cup. (Photo by Francois Nel - IDI/IDI via Getty Images)
According to vice-captain of the team Andrew Boda, the club is still very exciting upon hearing the news that the Trinidadian will be linking up with them and his presence will be a tremendous boost.
Pooran, the dashing middle-order batsman, made an immediate impact at the inaugural Caribbean Premier League tournament last year having chalked up a superb and entertaining half-century for Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in one of the games.
In the recently concluded International Cricket Council Under-19 50-over World Cup, which was held in Dubai, the 18-year-old also surged to prominence with a magnificent 143 against Australia despite West Indies were knock-out at the quarter-final stage.
Pooran began his assault when his team was precariously placed at 70-8 batting at number 5. He smashed 14 fours and six mighty sixes during his 160-ball occupation at the crease. It was a glorious batting performance and that has given RSC the confidence that this beautiful talent will make a big difference this season.
“We were all happy to learn that the young batsman will be playing for us this year; obviously, he is very talented and we are confident he will make a significant contribution for us in this year’s 50-over and T20 competitions,” Boda related.
He added that Pooran will bring a new dimension to the batting with his aggressive style and temperament which are very suitable for the T20 format. Pooran will also perform the role of wicket-keeping.
“Everyone is aware of his natural batting talent and the aggressive nature he is known for and that will certainly ensure we play the right game from the new season; his wicket-keeping ability will also be a great asset and I guess the opportunity will also boost the young cricketer’s morale as a whole,” the all-rounder Boda, who has been playing for the team for almost nine years now, mentioned.
Redemption has been one of the most successful sides participating in the two limited-over competitions winning a number of trophies with a number resounding performances.
The opener Boda, who is considered a pugnacious batsman, also commented on the fact that the side has shown and guided a lot of young promising players who have gone on to represent Canada at the highest level.
“We have done well over the years as a team and we have groomed many young aspiring cricketers from a very young age, especially at the under-19 level and I think this exposure should be wonderful for him since he has already established himself,” the right-hander Boda declared.
Pooran, who returned to the Caribbean with an impressive average from the World Cup at 60.6, has so appeared for his native country in four List A games since making his debut last year while he capped 13 times in T20 version.
He is expected to spend five weeks in Canada before heads back to the Caribbean once selected by Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team for the second CPL tournament which bowls off in mid-July.