October 04 Friday 2002
Hooper set sights high ahead of Indian series

BANGALORE: The West Indies head into their only warm-up game before the three-Test series against India full of confidence despite the tag of underdogs.

The home side are expected to dominate on India's traditional slow turning pitches, but the touring side hopes to feed off their 2-1 home win against their opponents earlier this year. "We are confident of playing well against India at home, but it will be tough," captain Carl Hooper told reporters ahead of today's three-day game here against a Board President's XI.

"We are improving and we think we are going to get back. After a long time, we are looking to go from a potentially good side to a really good side. It is important that I've got a good coach and manager and a young team. It makes the job easier."

West Indies dominated world cricket in the 1970s and early 80s but have struggled in recent years, particularly away from home.

Coach Roger Harper said last month's ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka had helped prepare the side for the conditions. "One thing which we appreciate is that we have just come out of Sri Lanka where it was extremely hot," Harper said. "We have noticed a drop in temperature and we are delighted at that."

But the former Test player said his team could have done with more games before the first Test in Mumbai on October 9.

Hooper, who will be playing his 100th Test in Mumbai, said he expected young pacemen Darren Powell and Jermaine Lawson to play an important part in the series alongside the more experienced Mervyn Dillon, Cameron Cuffy and Pedro Collins. Hooper, 35, made his Test debut at the same venue in 1987. "I'm not the one for records, but I am happy that my first Test was in India and the 100th will also be in India."

India's strength lies in a strong batting line-up and the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. But Hooper said he was looking forward to seeing his own two spinners, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Gareth Breese, in action. "We don't have a Shane Warne but...I'm sure they are both wanting to do well. It is an important tour for them."

Hooper, though, will sorely miss Brian Lara, one of the leading batsmen in the world, who pulled out due to suspected hepatitis.

India's one-day specialist Mohammed Kaif will lead the Board XI.

"The West Indies realise it is a big game," Kaif said. "We've got a young team and nothing to lose."

West Indies: Carl Hooper (capt), Gareth Breese, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pedro Collins, Cameron Cuffy, Mervyn Dillon, Daren Ganga, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Ridley Jacobs, Jermaine Lawson, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Darren Powell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Board President's XI: Mohammad Kaif (capt), Hemang Badani, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Sanjay Bangar, Akash Chopra, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Kartik, Amit Mishra, Dinesh Mongia, Parthiv Patel, Irfan Pathan, Ajay Ratra, Sarandeep Singh, Tinu Yohannan.