Never thought I’d see Windies trying to qualify for major tournaments: Hooper

West Indies cricket is in a precarious position, never before have they found themselves at the risk of missing a global event before the start of 2022. Since the start of 2022, the Men in Maroon have already failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup Down Under, and if they fail in the 2023 ODI World Cup qualifiers, they would be making it two global events in a row. 

Current West Indies assistant coach and former cricketer Carl Hooper opined that he never thought he would see a day when West Indies are trying to qualify for a major tournament. Not only that, but Hooper also reckoned that the Men in Maroon could definitely ‘go lower’ than they are at the moment if they fail to qualify. 

"The position hasn't changed," Hooper said ahead of the ODI World Cup qualifier in Harare. "The point is can we go lower than this? Yes, we can go lower than this and if we don't qualify, we go a step lower. Never thought that I'd live to see the day where West Indies are trying to qualify for major tournaments. I sat in Australia, and we struggled to get through it in the T20s and here we are in Zimbabwe.

The status of the Windies unit is such that the qualification to the ODI World Cup isn’t in any way straightforward. There exists plenty of scenarios where they could be out of the tournament, and Hooper reckoned that the game continues to be a big ‘reminder’ to stay humble and in the present. 

"No disrespect to the other teams, but we're playing against the likes of the USA, Nepal and Scotland. Even Afghanistan is ahead of us, and Bangladesh has gone ahead of us. So, this is distressing, and can we go lower? Yes, we can go lower,” Hooper added. 

Also Read: Daren Sammy is passionate, but what about his team?

“This game continues to remind you that until you start doing the right things, you can go lower. As I said before, I never thought I would live to see this day, but here I am in Zimbabwe, starting a game on Sunday. We've got to try and beat the USA."

In light of taking the team forward, the cricketing board appointed former two-time World T20 winner Daren Sammy as the head coach. Hooper called the move ‘fabulous’ and insisted that his energy will be a major boost to the team. 

"We're ready. I mean you get a feel, and you get a vibe for the energy in the team," Hooper said. "I think Daren Sammy, as you know, is a fabulous, inspirational leader. Now he has been tasked, trying to get West Indies into the qualification, which will be massive for us. So, the energy so far in Dubai and with the other boys joining us here in Zimbabwe has been great. We're looking forward to the game on Sunday and I'm sure we will do well."