Cricket: Hooper injury may reprieve Simmons: Chronic back problem forces West Indian all-rounder out of Test series

CARL HOOPER, restored to the West Indies squad for tomorrow's second Test in Georgetown, Guyana, after missing the first Test and the one-day games with a back complaint, will take no further part in the Wisden Trophy series.

The West Indies manager, Rohan Kanhai, said yesterday that Hooper, a veteran of 40 Tests whose middle-order batting, off-spin and reliable slip- catching have made him a pivotal member of the side, is expected to leave his native Guyana 'as soon as possible' to seek specialist treatment in England for a recurring back condition that could impair his prospects of playing for Kent this summer.

Hooper returned briefly to lead the West Indies President's XI in their four-day match against England last week only to miss the majority of the last two days. His withdrawal from the Test should signify a reprieve for the opener Phil Simmons in what is anticipated will be the same West Indies XI that won the first Test by eight wickets.

Better news in the England camp, where Chris Lewis has been passed fit to play following a test on the sore heel that plagued him against the President's XI.