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Cricket fans across the region had mixed feelings about the retirement of allrounder Carl Hooper. MIDWEEK SPORTS talked to a few spectators during the seventh One-Day International on Sunday and this is what they said:

NIGEL GLASGOW: “I have seen it coming for a long time. For the last couple of seasons, he was not really up to standard, and it even showed on the field Saturday. It seemed as though he has lost his interest in cricket. I wish him all the best.”

TERRY WATSON: “I think it is a blessing in disguise. You could see Carl was not confident. He was not taking the game the way an experienced player should be taking it and his fitness level was not what it should be.”

STANLEY McDONALD: “I am surprised but I think he has done the right thing. The potential never really came through. The records will show that although he had a good couple of innings and bowling performances, he never really turned out to be the person we thought he would be.”

BEVERLY ARMSTRONG: “I am sad to know he has finished. I think. Hooper has tried and West Indies cricket will miss him. I hope he changes his mind and comes back. He hasn’t done what most of us expected but everybody deserves a chance. Although I know he had plenty of chances, I am sorry to see him go.”

TERRY BECKLES: “I think it is a great loss. He was a good batsman, fieldsman and bowler. His departure has come at a crucial time.” ANTHONY AUDAIN: “I feel a sense of relief because after his performances in Guyana and the first One-Day International here, I think he himself must have felt great pressure and felt he was no longer contributing at the level that he used to. I think, it is a good thing.”

PAT REID-WAUGH: “I think Carl Hooper has done the West Indies a favour. He has clearly lost his competitive edge and that has been noticeable in his movement on the field. I don’t think we need to have somebody as lethargic as Carl Hooper on the West Indies field. A lot of youngsters coming into the game and a few on the team who need to have examples out there like Jimmy Adams.”

INDAR WEIR: “I think Carl Hooper is still the best allrounder the West Indies has. It is unfortunate that when a cricketer was not performing the crowd seems to be unsympathetic and seem to go out of their way to hurt them. I believe that Hooper succumbed to the pressure. He can still offer a lot to West Indies cricket and I hope he reconsiders his decision.”

IAN WALKER: “Thank God Hooper is gone.”