Hooper Resting Knees in Australia

West Indies captain Carl Hooper won't be appearing in Guyana's Carib Beer Cup match against the Windwards this weekend because he has been advised by doctors to rest his aching knees for two weeks.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) spokesman Terry Holder told CaribbeanCricket.com Hooper has been put on a rest and rehab program by the doctor who performed surgery on both his gimpy knees just before the World Cup.

"He will be available to play once we qualify the semi-finals. He has been given two weeks' rest and put on an exercise program," Holder said. Hooper travelled from the World Cup in South Africa to his home in Australia and is expected back in the Caribbean just before the Carib Beer competition reaches the playoff stage.

Hooper's availability for Guyana in the regional tournaments has been a source of controversy in recent years. He has had a history of promising to return in time for games, only to be MIA at the last minute.

To be fair, he has been much more reliable in recent times, especially since his return from retirement and subsequent accession to the captaincy of the West Indies team.

Holder said middle order batsmen Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan have been included in the 13-man squad for the Windward Islands game at Albion, where Guyana need only secure first-innings points to secure a semi-final berth.

Sarwan, who was felled by a bouncer in the final World Cup game against Sri Lanka, has been passed fit after experiencing headaches. "He had a cat scan and there was no sign of a fracture or a concussion. He's all clear and has already been at the ground with the fellas, both him and Shiv [Chanderpaul]," Holder said.

Middle order batsman Homchand Pooran and pacer Naresh Roopnarine were left out to make way for Chanderpaul and Sarwan.

Guyana will be without the services of strike bowler Reon King, who is suffering through a hamstring injury. "I've never seen so many injuries yet in a guyana side. King's still not fit enough to play. I'm not sure if he'll be available [if we qualify] for the semis. He has been with the team and getting treatment," Holder added.

Guyana's 13-man squad:

Azeemul Haniff
Sewnarine Chattergoon
Krishna Arjune
Lennox Cush
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Andre Percival
Travis Dowlin
Neil McGarrell (captain)
Mahendra Nagamootoo
Vishal Nagamootoo
Reon Griffith
Esaun Crandon