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Carl Hooper, the enigmatic Guyanese allrounder who recently announced he has come out of retirement from Test cricket and remains available to the West Indies, is tipped to replace Jimmy Adams as captain of the regional side, according to the Sunday Mirror newspaper here.

In today's edition, the weekly paper quoted 'reliable sources' in Antigua as saying the 34-year-old Hooper is being considered to take over the captaincy in the light of the West Indies' just concluded whitewash 5-0 beating by Australia.

Hooper, who quit the international scene two years ago after a One-Day International in Barbados, is currently representing his native Guyana against Barbados in Busta Cup action at Kensington Oval.

Over the past few years, he has been living in Adelaide, Australia, with his wife and son.

According to the source, the "home series starting against South Africa in March is expected to be a tough one, and that's why we need to make changes."

The paper said Hooper, "who is not known to talk much, but knows the game inside out," is the best man for the job, mainly because of his experience in the English county league tournament as the overseas player for Kent.

The source also hinted that vice-captain Sherwin Campbell may also be replaced as a result of a loss of form during the Australia tour. "Unfortunately, Adams has had a miserable time since he took over last year, and it does not appear he can command his place in the team," the paper quoted the source as saying.

It went on: "Hooper is the obvious choice, once he is fit enough to play at this level."

The West Indies captain, the newspaper report continued, should be able to maintain his place in the team, and Hooper is the only player with the experience and ability to fill those shoes right now.

Hooper, a veteran of 80 Tests, has accumulated 4 153 runs at an average of 32 since making his debut 14 years ago.

Chairman of selectors Michael Findlay could not be reached for comment yesterday.

© The Barbados Nation