Hooper confident of reviving WI cricket
By Marlon Fernandopulle
West Indies skipper Carl Hooper was optimistic of re-building the Caribbean
team to what it was in the 70s and 80s and making it a force to be reckoned
with once again.
"We are in a transition period and are at a re building stage.We do
not have seasoned campigners. However we have talented, young and enthusiastic
players and are very confident that within the next couple of years West
Indies cricket will be back to what it was a few years ago",said Carl Hooper
in an interview with the Sunday Times.
Carl Junior is fine
The 34-year-old Guyanian came back from retirement earlier this year
to lead the West Indians following a dismal performance by the Caribbean
team in the last few years.Hooper announced his retirement in 1999 pre-maturely
following a Medical ailment to his son and after falling out with the Selectors.
However the stylish batsman expressed delight and Happiness when he said,"Carl
Junior is fine now.He is two years and nine months and running around".His
son and his wife Constance are currently in Sri Lanka.
When asked what prompted him to come back as Captain Hooper said, "West
Indies cricket was at a low ebb following the exit of many experienced
players.I was still playing some cricket and knew that I had a lot more
to offer to West Indies Cricket. My Son was also okay, and so I thought
I should make a comeback".Following his return earlier this year as Captain
West Indies have showed signs of a revival.
Murali-a worrying factor
The simple,unassuming Hooper acknowledged Murali as a very good bowler
and the dangerman in the three test series. "He is a great bowler.But we
have not played each other as much as I would have liked.I last played
against Murali when Sri Lanka toured England in 1998 and played against
Kent.
At that time Murali was practicing the straight ball.In fact I watched
him during the final in Sharjah and I thought he really bowled well that
night"
In preparation for the Lankan tour the tourists trained on slow, turning
wickets in Jamaica and also watched Muralitharan closely on Video tapes.
However it was quite evident that the West Indian captain was concerned
over Muralitharan when he posed the questions Does he bowl the straight
ball now? And is he better than Saqlain Mushtaq?
Mahela, Kumara impressive
The veteran of 87 Tests and 197 One Day Internationals was also perplexed
as to why former Sri Lanka vice captain Aravinda de Silva was not included
in the team.De Silva who played for the English County Kent like Carl Hooper
was seen in conversation with the West Indian Captain at the NCC grounds
during the tourists opening three day game last weekend. Speaking on the
Lankan tean Hooper said, "Sri Lanka has progressed very well since they
last toured the Carribbean Islands".Hooper was particularly impressed with
Mahela Jyawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. "I think they are both very impressive
and fine batsmen",conluded Hooper.
Fernando and Madugalle in commentary team?
Tony Cozier(West Indies),Barry Richards(South Africa) and Rameez Raja(Pakistan)
along with two Sri Lankans will form the Television Commentary team for
the three tests between Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Taj Television who acquired the Commercial rights of the Board of Control
for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) for a period of three years earlier this
month, will Televise the series while the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation
will relay the games to the local Audience.
The International and local Commentators are selected by Taj Television
based on the availability of the Commentators.
Currently three test series(Australia-New Zealand in Australia,South
Africa-India in South Africa and Bangladesh-Zimbabwe in Bangladesh) are
being played around the world and most International Commentators are already
engaged in these test matches. Although the two Lankan Commentators have
not been named it is very likely that Ranjith Fernando and Ranjan Madugalle
would be the duo to join the three other Commentators. - MF |
