Former all-rounder Carl Hooper joins West Indian support staff as assistant coach

Carl Hooper has been roped in as West Indies' assistant coach.

Former West Indian coach Carl Hooper is set to join the West Indies squad ahead of their scheduled ODI series against UAE. Carl Hooper is appointed as assistant coach of the team just before their all-important assignment in Zimbabwe. Two-time World Cup champions West Indies have failed to qualify directly and will be playing in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe starting 18th June. The West Indies team will look to make good use of Hooper’s vast experience as a player and also as an assistant coach. Former West Indian all-rounder will join the coaching staff along with Floyd Reifer and James Franklin. 

Hooper thinks 'It's time for WI cricket to ascend'

The former West Indian all-rounder had a 15-year long Cricket career as a player and had played 102 Tests and 227 ODIs. Hooper in his international career has picked up 307 wickets in t20 international centuries with 11523 runs. Hooper after being appointed as assistant coach said, “When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest and wanted to help and make a meaningful impact”. Hooper also added, “I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies cricket to ascend and I am confident about my knowledge and ability and experience to aid in this endeavour“. 

Previously, Hooper was associated with various leagues as well and played the role of assistant coach. In the Big Bash League, Hooper was associated with Adelaide Strikers, while in Caribbean Premier League he has worked with Antigua Hawksbill and Guyana Amazon Warriors. Before the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, West Indies will play a 3-match ODI series against UAE starting from 4th June. Along with West Indies, 1996 World Cup Champions Sri Lanka will also be playing in qualifiers as they have also failed to qualify for the tournament directly.