Brian Lara, a legendary cricketer from the West Indies, recently shared his belief that former West Indies all-rounder Carl Hooper was a player more talented than him and even Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. In his new book, Lara: The England Chronicles, known as the ‘Prince of Trinidad’ for his exceptional batting skills, Lara praised Hooper for his exceptional talent and performance, especially during his tenure as the team captain.
Lara described Hooper as one of the best players he has ever seen, surpassing even his own talent and that of Tendulkar. He highlighted Hooper’s performance as a captain, where his numbers were significantly different from his playing stats. Lara expressed sadness that Hooper only truly realized his potential as a captain and not as a player, emphasizing his admiration for the all-rounder’s abilities.
During his 102 Tests between 1987 and 2002, Hooper scored 5,762 runs at an average of 36.46, with 13 centuries and 27 fifties. He also picked up 114 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities. In 227 ODIs, he accumulated 5,761 runs at an average of 35.34, including seven centuries and 29 fifties, along with 193 wickets. Lara particularly praised Hooper’s memorable 111-run innings against England at Lord’s in 1991, highlighting his exceptional talent and class.
Despite Hooper’s undeniable talent, Lara mentioned that the player himself was not fully aware of how gifted he was. Lara recalled how senior players like Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards would pause their activities just to watch Hooper bat due to his effortless and awe-inspiring style. Lara emphasized that Hooper’s talent was underappreciated and that he did not fully comprehend his brilliance during his playing career.
Lara also shared insights into the relationship between Hooper and Viv Richards, revealing that the intimidating nature of Richards made both players, including Lara, emotional at times. He acknowledged Richards’ aggressive personality and his impact on the team, mentioning that while Richards had a soft side, he always strived to inspire and motivate his players. Lara noted that despite Richards’ tough persona, he harbored deep respect and affection for Hooper more than himself.
With an illustrious career spanning 425 matches and accumulating 22,260 runs at an average of 46.66, including 53 centuries and 110 fifties, Lara remains one of the greatest batters of all time. His tribute to Hooper in his book sheds light on the exceptional talent and unfulfilled potential of the former West Indies all-rounder, showcasing the admiration and respect Lara holds for his once-teammate. Through Lara’s words, Hooper’s legacy and remarkable abilities continue to be celebrated in the cricketing world.
