MIAMI: Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper has been appointed as assistant to new coach Daren Sammy as the Caribbean side prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said on Thursday that Hooper and Barbadian Floyd Reifer had been named as assistant coaches to Sammy with former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin also joining the staff.

Guyanese Hooper was the first player in the world to have scored 5,000 runs, taken 100 wickets, held 100 cat­ches and received 100 caps in ODIs and Tests. His record was later matched by South African Jacques Kallis.

An off-spinner and middle-order batsman, Hooper played for West Indies from 1987 to 2003 but has mainly lived in Australia since retiring from the team.

He has coached in India and Dubai as well as with several franchises in the Caribbean Premier League.

“When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest, as I really want to help with the challenge and make a meaningful impact,” said Hooper.

“I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies Cricket to ascend, and I am confident in my ability, knowledge, and experience to aid in this endeavour.”

The West Indies ODI team is due to play three warm-up games in the UAE before heading to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.

West Indies failed to qualify automatically and will now take part in the 10-team tournament to try and take one of the two remaining slots in the main event which will take place in India later in the year.

West Indies have been drawn in Group ‘A’, where they will face hosts Zimbabwe, US, Netherlands, and Nepal.

CWI also announced their coaching staff for the test team which is being led by Jamaican Andre Coley.

Former West Indies players Kenny Benjamin, Stuart Williams and Rayon Griffith will work as Coley’s assistants.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023