Hooper among WI assistants

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Thursday that former West Indies captain Carl Hooper was roped in to be one of the assistant coaches to West Indies white-ball head coach Daren Sammy.

Former interim head coach Floyd Reifer, another former West Indies captain, and former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin will complete the coaching expertise for the white-ball squad.

CWI also announced that the former Leeward Islands and West Indies pair of Kenny Benjamin and Stuart Williams, as well as former Guyana pacer Rayon Griffith, will be the assistant coaches to newly-appointed Test team head coach Andre Coley.

According to a CWI news release, all the assistant coaches have been appointed on a short-term basis, and their positions will be reviewed after the international home series against India in August.

Hooper, one of the most successful West Indies all-rounders during his playing days, scoring more than 5,000 runs and taking more than 100 wickets in both Tests and one-day internationals (ODI), said he accepted the position because he wanted to see West Indies move forward.

"When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest, as I really want to help with the challenge and make a meaningful impact," he said in a CWI news release.

"I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies cricket to ascend, and I am confident in my ability, knowledge, and experience to aid in this endeavour."

Hooper, 56, worked previously at various levels of coaching in the Caribbean and Australia, and his appointment was welcomed by Sammy.