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Hailed as a motivator and outstanding performer, blessed with quality leadership skills and the ability to think, Carl Hooper was yesterday given overwhelming support to captain the West Indies team in the imminent home series against South Africa.

In a five-hour telephone and e-mail poll by the WEEKEND NATION, the 34-year-old "prodigal son" of West Indies cricket was the favourite of 110 out of 198 respondents.

It was more than three times the number of votes received by anyone else.

"Hooper can motivate the team better than anyone else, and once given a chance, he will perform better," said Cosmos Bethel, who telephoned from Brooklyn, New York, United States.

"He has the experience, good all-round skills - and is a good communicator," added Edward Yaw.

Embattled incumbent captain Jimmy Adams was second with 33 votes, with vice-captain Sherwin Campbell third with 20 and dependable wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs fourth with 19.

The Guyanese, a former West Indies vice-captain, is trying to regain his place in the side after an absence of almost two years, following his sudden retirement from international cricket in 1999.

He has returned to the first-class scene with telling effect in the Busta Cup, in which his captaincy and distinguished batting have made Guyana co-leaders ahead of this weekend's final round of preliminary matches.

There were many who felt Adams and Campbell were under pressure to retain their places in the side, but the majority of those who supported them described them as level-headed players.

Many also said Adams could not be held responsible for the West Indies' disappointing showing in England and Australia.

"Adams is a strong guy and he keeps the team together," said one of the 42 female respondents.

Gary Earl, in an e-mail from Scotland, wrote: "Having spoken to Sherwin at last summer's friendly with Scotland, he came across as being a person with a determined attitude and will to win."

Similar sentiments were expressed about Jacobs, one of the West Indies' leading performers in Australia.

"Jacobs has the mental stamina and does not wilt under pressure. He also seems to command the respect of most of the players," said retired school principal John Blackman.

There were some who said the team and not the captain was the West Indies' main problem.

"I think it [the captaincy] should be Brian Lara's, but it really doesn't matter who is captain. A captain can only do so much and most of that team needs to be overhauled," said Cindy Babb in an e-mail message from the United States.

Lara was popular among many callers, but they did not give him the nod because he said he was not interested in becoming captain at this time.

© The Barbados Nation