Roger Andrew Harper is a former cricketer from the West Indies, known for his exceptional fielding skills and his coaching abilities. Born on March 17, 1963, in Georgetown, Guyana, Harper made a significant impact on the cricketing world during his playing and coaching career.
Harper began honing his skills at the Demerara Cricket Club, despite the rough and bumpy outfield. It was there that he developed into one of the game’s finest fielders. His incredible fielding abilities were witnessed by many, including Graham Gooch. During the MCC Bicentenary match at Lord’s in 1987, Gooch, batting for MCC against the World XI, fell victim to Harper’s brilliance. Gooch had just passed 100 runs when he drilled Harper’s offspin on the on side of straight and took a few anticipatory paces down the pitch. Harper, displaying lightning-fast reflexes, took one stride to his right and plucked the ball cleanly from the turf. With a seamless motion, he threw down Gooch’s middle stump, leaving the batsman upended on all fours. This memorable incident showcased Harper’s exceptional fielding prowess.
Although Harper wasn’t regarded as a great offspinner and only an adequate hard-hitting batsman, his fielding skills earned him considerable recognition. Post-retirement, Harper ventured into coaching, taking charge of the West Indies cricket team from 2000 to 2003. His tenure fell during a period of transition for the team, but Harper’s expertise helped guide many young players through this challenging phase.
In December 2005, Harper was appointed as the coach for the West Indies U-19 team. However, after just one month, he made the decision to leave and take charge of the Kenyan national side. When Harper arrived, he found the Kenyan cricket squad on the verge of collapse. With his strong leadership and tactical knowledge, he successfully rebuilt the team and helped them regain stability.
Despite his success in Kenya, Harper eventually stepped down from his coaching role in September 2007. The demands of the job took him away from his home in Guyana for extended periods, prompting his decision to resign.
Throughout his career, Harper demonstrated an unwavering passion for the sport of cricket. His exceptional fielding abilities and coaching prowess have left a lasting impact on the game. Although his cricketing achievements were notable, it is his incredible fielding skills that have made him an unforgettable figure in the sport.
Roger Harper’s legacy as a cricketer and coach will always be remembered, and his contributions to West Indies cricket and the Kenyan national team have left a profound mark on the cricketing world.