Hooper joins WI coaching staff; Sammy: Important to have right people around you


Former West Indies star allrounder Carl Hooper and opener Stuart Williams will work as assistant coaches for the regional team, as the Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced further changes to the West Indies set-up today

Hooper, the only West Indies player to score over 5,000 runs and take over 100 wickets in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), was named as one of three assistants to new white ball head coach Daren Sammy.

New West Indies assistant coach Carl Hooper.
(Copyright Adelaide Now)

Former West Indies captain Floyd Reifer and ex-New Zealand allrounder James Franklin were also appointed to serve on the West Indies ODI and T20 International Teams, as second and third assistant coach respectively.

The trio have joined Sammy in Sharjah for the upcoming three-match ODI series against United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Cricket is a team sport—therefore, having the right set of people around you, who share your vision, is extremely important,” Sammy told the CWI Media. “This is a group of hard-working, passionate men, who have no egos. Our collective desire is to have a positive impact on the players and West Indies cricket.”

Hooper, who had brief prior coaching stints in the Caribbean and Australia, said it was an easy decision to join the West Indies setup.

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

“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.”

West Indies cricketers have a moment during the 2022 ICC Men’s World Cup.

In the West Indies Test team, head coach Andre Coley suggested that he is more interested in “continuity” as he retains Rayon Griffith and former West Indies bowler Kenny Benjamin to his coaching staff, while adding Williams from the ‘A’ Team.

“We are looking for as much continuity as possible in the preparation for our upcoming assignments,” said Coley. “Kenny and Rayon will continue in their roles from the previous two tours, and Stuart Williams is currently with the ‘A’ team in Bangladesh.

“It is a hard-working group with some clear tasks outlined and we can effectively serve West Indies cricket as a unit for the upcoming series against India.”

West Indies assistant coach Stuart Williams.

The other members of the team management unit who will work with the West Indies Men’s teams across all formats are: Rawl Lewis (team manager), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Avenash Seetaram (analyst) and Dario Barthley (media and content officer).

All new assistant coaches were appointed on a short-term basis and will be reviewed after the India Series in August 2023.

West Indies Men’s white ball team staff:

Daren Sammy (head coach), Carl Hooper (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), James Franklin (assistant coach), Rawl Lewis (team manager), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Avenash Seetaram (analyst), Dario Barthley (media and content officer).

West Indies Men’s Test team staff:

Andre Coley (head coach), Kenny Benjamin (assistant coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Stuart Williams (assistant coach), Rawl Lewis (team manager), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Avenash Seetaram (analyst), Dario Barthley (media and content officer).

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