PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Pacers Kevon Cooper and Ravi Rampaul have both passed fitness tests and are back in training with defending champions Trinidad and Tobago, for the Caribbean T20 tournament which begins this weekend.

Cooper and Rampaul have both overcome knee injuries and have resumed training, as Trinidad prepares to take on Jamaica in their opening fixture on Sunday.

"On Sunday morning, both Cooper and Ravi Rampaul trained with the team and they both passed fitness tests," said Manager Omar Khan.

good news

"It was good news for us. We resume full training under Coach David Williams at the National Cricket Centre (in Couva)."

The pace duo's inclusion is expected to bolster the host chances against Jamaica in a replay of last season's final.

"Cooper had a slight knee ligament strain that he had to take some treatment for. The treatment has now been completed. He has been passed fit by Dr Anil Gopeesingh," said Khan.

full training

"Ravi (was the) same thing, (a) knee problem. He started training from Sunday and, from (today), he can start full training with the national team."

The Red Force has resumed full training this week and is due to play a final practice match against Windward Islands on Thursday in Arima.

William Perkins, Lendl Simmons and middle-order batsman Darren Bravo scored noteworthy contributions during a couple of practice matches between the national team and reserve players last weekend.

"We're happy with the starts that we've been getting (from) both Perkins and Lendl Simmons," said the ex-West Indies manager.

"They're in good nick and that's a good thing."