Never thought that I'd live to see the day where West Indies are trying to qualify for major tournaments: Carl Hooper

Former West Indies captain and current assistant coach, Carl Hooper, made a rather startling remark on the national team’s current position in world cricket. The statements come after the Windies failed to obtain a direct spot in the forthcoming ODI World Cup which is to be held in India and they will now have to play the Qualifiers to earn a berth.

In addition to this, the Caribbean side are ranked tenth in ODI rankings, below the likes of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Distressed with the team’s current position, assistant coach Hooper expressed that the side could hit rock bottom, if they do not improve their game. 

"The position hasn't changed. The point is can we go lower than this? Yes, we can go lower than this and if we don't qualify, we go a step lower. Never thought that I'd live to see the day where West Indies are trying to qualify for major tournaments. I sat in Australia, and we struggled to get through it in the T20s and here we are in Zimbabwe," Hooper was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"No disrespect to the other teams, but we're playing against the likes of the USA, Nepal and Scotland. Even Afghanistan is ahead of us, and Bangladesh has gone ahead of us. So, this is distressing, and can we go lower? Yes, we can go lower," he added.

West Indies will start their ODI World Cup Qualifier campaign against the United States of America

The Windies will play their first Qualifier match against the United States of America (USA) on Sunday, June 18. Ahead of their first match, Hooper, seemingly disappointed with having to play the Qualifiers, reiterated that his side will need to work their way up and avoid stooping any lower. 

“This game continues to remind you that until you start doing the right things, you can go lower. As I said before, I never thought I would live to see this day, but here I am in Zimbabwe, starting a game on Sunday. We've got to try and beat the USA,” Hooper concluded.