Carl Hooper, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a celebrated former West Indies cricketer known for his stylish batting and skilful off-spin bowling. During a prolific career from 1987 to 2003, he participated in 102 Test matches, scoring nearly 6,000 runs and taking 114 wickets. Hooper's unique upbringing, playing cricket below his stilts-supported home, significantly influenced his playing style and decision-making. Despite his immense talent, fellow cricketer Brian Lara noted his inability to fully realize his potential. Hooper also had notable stints with Kent and Lancashire, becoming one of only three players to score centuries against all first-class counties in England.
"He was so talented, yet he didn't understand just how good he was...there is no clear reason for it, but it always puzzled us all."
"The area would have been maybe 16 yards, much shorter than the normal 22 yards for a cricket pitch, and that's where I honed my skill."
"When we played matches on the full 22 yards, I thought I was in a hurry just as much as the next batsman...it looked like I had so much more time to play the ball."
"I remember getting the call to say I'd been selected to go to New Zealand with the West Indies team [in 1987]. I was freaking out."
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