By Graham Hardcastle

Nicholas Pooran has revealed how he has had to start his career afresh after suffering a “terrifying” car accident in his native Trinidad in January 2015.

The West Indies batsman-wicketkeeper has signed as Yorkshire’s overseas player for the first five group matches of the forthcoming Vitality Blast, staring on July 19.

Currently in England as part of the World Cup – he is playing at Headingley against Afghanistan today (Thursday) and hit his maiden senior hundred against Sri Lanka on Monday – left-handed Pooran has spoken about how the car crash on his way home from a training session threatened his career.

But now, back starring on the world stage, the 23-year-old is set for a brief spell with the Vikings and is determined to help set them on their way to a maiden T20 title.

“Aged 19, I got in an accident, which was terrifying,” he explained.

“I damaged my patella tendon and fractured my ankle, so it’s been all about starting over for me, getting my body stronger.

“I was out of cricket for a year and a half. Thankfully I’m back playing and am happy. Not everyone gets this opportunity to be playing cricket again. I’m looking forward. I’m happy to be doing what I love and trying to get better each day.

“You have a lot of good times and bad in life. It was a bad experience, but when I look back I got to learn a lot of stuff. I appreciate everything in life a lot more, especially cricket.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work since the accident, and it’s really pleasing it’s paying off.”

Pooran has played 102 career T20 matches for teams such as Trinidad and Tobago to the West Indies to the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.

But he has only played three first-class matches – a knock-on effect, he says, from the accident.

However, he has not given up on the idea of starring against the red ball in the future.

“I started back playing the shorter formats to really find myself,” he said.

“Eventually you never know what will happen, maybe Test cricket or whatever the case is. But white-ball cricket is working for me now.”

Looking ahead to his Yorkshire stint from mid-July onwards, he has given Yorkshire supporters an idea of what they can expect.

“I can bat anywhere and keep wicket,” he said. “I can open, bat three, four, five or six. Mainly, my role is in the middle to lower order, finishing the innings in T20 cricket.

“I’m very aggressive. I’m an entertainer, I love to entertain the crowd. I just like to see the fans happy.

“I’m looking forward to the experience of gaining knowledge in a different culture. It will be good for my future.

“But first and foremost, it’s all about team success. If we can get five victories in five games, that would be wonderful. I just want to come here and do what I always do to help the team be successful.

“At the end of the day, everyone wants silverware.”
Pooran will make his Yorkshire debut against Nottinghamshire at Emerald Headingley on Friday, July 19 and will also play in the sold out home Roses clash the following Thursday.

Before then, Yorkshire, winners against Surrey at Scarborough in this week’s thrilling Specsavers County Championship clash, face the Division One’s top two sides Essex and Somerset.

Third in the table, 36 points behind Somerset after eight matches, the White Rose travel to Chelmsford to face Essex from Sunday.

Secure tickets for the opening Vitality Blast match!

Secure your tickets for the opening Vitality Blast match between Yorkshire Vikings and Notts Outlaws at Emerald Headingley now. You can save £5 by purchasing your tickets before 11:59pm on Thursday 18th July.

Ticket Prices:
Adults: £19 early bird (£24 on the day)
Seniors: £10 early bird (£15 on the day)
Students: £10
Juniors: £5

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