OTD| West Indies legend Carl Hooper was born in 1966

The former West Indies cricketer and captain Carl Hooper is celebrating his 57th birthday. The cricketer from Guyana was born today in 1966. He was a very important member of the West Indies team that was a dominant force in international cricket and continued to be a part of the team that was going through a transition after the departure of veterans. 

Carl Hooper made his international debut for the West Indies in ODI cricket against New Zealand in 1987. In the same year, he went on to make his debut in test cricket as well, against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Hooper was not just a talented batter but a handy right-arm off break as well which helped him make a foray into the West Indies team and cement his place in the team which was filled with heavyweights. 

A Holistic Career

Carl Hooper had a very well-rounded career as he contributed with both his bat and ball. The right-handed batter was a key name in the middle order of the West Indies team and remained so throughout his career. Hooper represented the West Indies in test and ODI cricket and he was equally impressive in both formats of the game. The all-rounder played 102 test matches in his career where he amassed 5762 runs at an average of 36.46 along with 13 centuries and 27 half-centuries. With the ball, he picked up 114 wickets but his bowling exploits in test cricket were not in the same league as his ODI exploits. 

In ODI cricket the former West Indies skipper played 227 matches scoring 5761 at an average of 35.34. Whereas, with the ball, he had 193 scalps to his name in ODI cricket at an average of 36.05 which was a decent record for a batter who could swing his arm. Along with Brian Lara, he was the last player from the legendary era of West Indies cricket in which they were absolutely indomitable. 

Also read: India’s spin sensation Kuldeep Yadav was born today in 1994