Not Tendulkar or Lara, This Player was Way Better Than Both

Legendary West Indies player Brian Lara believes that Carl Hooper, his former teammate, is a better player than cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and himself.

Lara explained that Hooper had exceptional skill and ability to perform from both bat and ball. He also highlighted Hooper’s impactful role as West Indies captain, playing significant roles in many matches. 

Brain Lara has recently published his book called, Lara: The England Chronicles, which mentions that Carl is the best player he saw. “I would say that not even Tendulkar and myself would come close to that talent,” ESPNcricinfo has published an excerpt of the book.

According to Lara, Carl was so talented that he himself didn’t understand how good he was. Many wonder why he failed to do full justice to his talent, but Lara thinks that there is no clear reason behind that. 

Hooper International Career

Carl Hooper played 102 test matches and 227 ODIs in his career that spans between 1987 to 2003. He had scored 5762 runs in his test career with an average of 36.36 smashing 13 centuries and 27 half-centuries. While in ODIs, he scored 5761 runs at an average of 35.34 with seven centuries and 29 half-centuries. Hooper was equally good with the ball as well as has taken 114 wickets in tests and 193 wickets in ODIs.

His brilliance could also be understood with his captaining skills. He managed pressure efficiently throughout his career and has scored 1609 runs in tests with a 45.97 average. It includes four centuries and nine half-centuries. 

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Carl Hooper Best Innings

Lara also wrote in his book that the century from Hooper against England in Lord’s test in 1991 left everyone in awe. 

“When I think back to that Lord’s match I see the class of Carl Hooper. Man, what a player. The ease with which he batted brought out a kind of awe in us, and in all of us, even the senior players. You felt that when Carl went out to bat, they enjoyed it – Haynes, Richards, Greenidge, all these guys would stop what they were doing just to watch him,” Lara said.

Lara about Sir Viv Richards

Most of the part of his book is dedicated to Sir Vivian Richards. He shared that Richards makes him cry every three weeks, while this number was once a week for Carl. He believes that Richards’s intimidating tone affects those who are not strong enough. 

Brian believes Richard intentionally intimidated anyone describing Richard’s personality as strong and aggressive. 

Lara also stated that Richard may have a soft side but isn’t a soft person.

Lara also believes that many players did not admit that they disliked or felt intimidated by Richards. However, Lara loves Viv Richards, who fails to intimidate him.