FORMER NSW Country and Tamworth Country Cup-winning captain Jeff Cook will make a guest appearance for Cardiff-Boolaroo this weekend when they face Hamilton-Wickham in Newcastle district cricket.
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Cook is desperate for time in the middle before he leads NSW’s Imparja Cup campaign from February 9 in Alice Springs.
This round of two-day cricket is held over Saturday and Sunday, providing an ideal chance for the former English first-class batsman to play both days.
Cook last turned out for Sydney grade club Western Suburbs on January 10 but has since had his contract terminated.
As part of the deal with Wests, the 42-year-old was flown from his Tamworth home to Sydney every weekend for matches.
The controversial decision by Cook in November to declare at 0-17 in a match against Parramatta, in order to provide Australian captain Michael Clarke with a chance to prove his fitness for the First Test against India on day two, played a role in the breakdown with Wests.
The plan became futile when the tragic death of Phillip Hughes altered the Test schedule.
Cook’s wrangle with Wests has been a silver lining for Cardiff.
Last Saturday, Cook was present during Cardiff’s victory over Newcastle City at Learmonth Park and provided coaching for the side.
Cardiff’s former NSW leg-spinner Liam Zammit was captained by Cook at St George.
“Liam Zammit was the one who contacted me and asked if I needed a game of cricket and his timing was pretty good,’’ Cook said.
“I’m very close with (Merewether captain) Simon Moore and that would have been the easiest option, but I don’t think they need another player.
“I will admit it excites me a little bit to try to contribute in Newcastle with one of the younger clubs and try to get them competitive.’’
Cook will certainly be a welcome addition to a CBs side which is 10th on the ladder with three wins from 14 matches.
The likes of youngsters Ben Evans, Bayley McGill and Jayden Park should also benefit from his guidance.
“The boys are very much looking forward to having him play for us,’’ Cardiff president Matthew Maher said.
It is unsure whether Cook’s appearance for Cardiff will be a one-off.
Asked if he was interested in playing for the CBs following the Imparja Cup, Cook said: “To be honest I haven’t looked that far ahead.
“A lot depends on the situation with Western Suburbs in Sydney. Hopefully common sense will prevail and the club in Sydney and myself can move forward.
“There’s an option there with Cardiff but I can’t make that sort of commitment at this stage.
“At the moment I just want a game of cricket this weekend.’’