Ryan Cooper

VITAL STATS

Name: Ryan Cooper
Nickname: Coops
Date of Birth: 23 May, 1976
Place of Birth: Cape Town
Club career: Koeberg (1995-2000), Durbanville (2000-2005)
Rollers honours: 2005/06, 2006/07 Player of the Season; Best Batsman (2008/09)
Poison: Whiskey & Water/Red Wine
Favourite all-time cricketer: Gary Kirsten/Brian Lara

PROFILE

A right-handed batsman and opening bowler who took over the captaincy of the team last year in Dave Hillman's absence, Ryan started his cricket career under the watchful eye of his older brother Neville as a little wipper-snapper.

Reasonably adept at handling the short ball, he is known to throw his wicket away while going extremely well, though usually as a result of being run out by his brother.

Been called 'arrogant' once or twice in his 'career', he has since learnt to be more diplomatic with the wisdom that age and experience brings.

Not adverse to a good fine's session or down-down, he is known to shed his clothes when the situation demands it - though not the worst in the squad by a long way.