JACK THE LATEST IN SUPER COOPER BLOODLINE
WHILE his big brother is starring in the Big Bash League, Jack Cooper is fast paving his own reputation as a dynamic batsman.
Cooper is the 16-year-old brother of Tom Cooper, who is a key player for the BBL premiership favourites, Melbourne Renegades.
Both Tom and fellow brother Ben, 25, have represented The Netherlands in international cricket, while Jack’s twin sister Rachel plays in the Lismore region where the family is based.
Jack made his second grade debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins in the last weekend before the Christmas break and responded by nailing a Twenty20 ton.
His unbeaten 106 off 59 balls set up a big win and he backed it up with 41 in a second T20 game that afternoon.
“I just tried to put the pressure back on them and target them from the get go,” he said of his knock against Wests.
In both T20s, plus the 50-over fixture the day before, he took a wicket with his seamers to prove he has a second string to his bow.
Cooper is likely to be given more time in second grade before being blooded at the top level for the Dolphins but his ascension will be merely a matter of time if he keeps scoring runs.
He hopes one day to play for the Queensland Bulls, which could even set him up for a showdown against Tom (South Australia).
Despite being a Northern Rivers product, Jack represents Queensland these days, including at the national under-17 championships three months ago, after choosing to play for the Dolphins when NSW demanded he play his club cricket south of the border.
There are zero regrets. “It’s much better cricket up here than back home and better training,” he said.