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| April 3, 2003 | Thursday | Muharram 30, 1424 |
Hooper unsure about future plans
GEORGETOWN (Guyana), April 2: Carl Hooper, sacked on Monday as West Indies cricket captain, was inconclusive on Wednesday as he gave a written statement to the press about his immediate plans.
Hooper, 36, hinted he would like to play against the powerful Australians in forthcoming Cable & Wireless series but added he has to contemplate making room for a younger player coming up.
He said next “few weeks will determine the role” he can play in West Indies cricket and “direction” his life will take.
“I would be less than honest if I did not indicate I was relishing thought of facing challenge of touring Australians and felt confident that experience I had gained playing against them over the years, would have been a valuable asset.
“I must be unselfish, though, and ask myself if my presence in the team would not be unfair, by blocking path of some younger and promising player,” he said.
Hooper, who came out of retirement two years ago and was given West Indies captaincy after a prolific season in first-class cricket, was replaced by Brian Lara to lead West Indies in the home series against Australia and Sri Lanka.
Hooper lost 11 and drew four of 22 Tests in which he captained West Indies and presided over the sides early exit from World Cup 2003.
He said he accepted decision by selectors — ratified by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) — to replace him as captain since it is not the “God-given right” of anyone to be captain or to represent the region.
He added he was “grateful” to have been given opportunity to play an active role in rebuilding phase of West Indies cricket and expressed satisfaction with his work with team.
“I take tremendous pride and satisfaction in how such a young and talented side has been moulded into an effective unit, capable of competing with best in the world.”
Hooper, who scored 5,762 runs in 102 Tests at average of 36.46, said he is confident he can still perform at highest level and indicated he would not be bothered playing under a new captain.
“I still possess physical skill, desire and passion to represent this great West Indian nation. I can state, unreservedly, too, I am a team player, regardless of circumstances, and demonstrate same level of commitment under any leadership. It is success of West Indies that matters,” he stated.—PPI
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