Guyana Chronicle
March 7, 2001

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, (CANA) - Nevisian commentator Trevor Chapman feels Michael Holding needs to be a "true Caribbean man" and revisit his decision not to be part of the television broadcast panel for the forthcoming Cable & Wireless home series against South Africa, starting on Friday in Georgetown.

Holding, the former Jamaica captain and West Indies fast bowler, is so incensed over Carl Hooper's appointment as West Indies captain he has withdrawn as a television broadcaster and will not attend any of the matches.

"I think everyone deserves a chance and we have to recognise the facts that are before us: Hooper has shown that he is purposeful and that he is on a mission and deserves a chance," Chapman told CANA.

"On the other hand, Jimmy Adams, who many felt was the man for the job, his form has let us down. At times, he has shown us that he has wilted under the pressure."

Chapman believes it is clear that Adams could not command a place in both the Test and limited-overs international side and, therefore, is willing to support Hooper.

"I think Carl has come back in this year's Busta Cricket Series and shown that he is on a mission," Chapman said.

"He has batted well. He has bowled well. And he has shown his leadership skills to a great extent and I think he is deserving of the captaincy ... so I find it very strange that Holding has withdrawn from the television panel."

Holding told reporters at Sabina Park on Monday that he is "finished with West Indies cricket".

"The selectors are a set of jokers. They don't mean West Indies cricket any good," Holding stated.

Holding believes "Hooper has turned his back on West Indies cricket on numerous occasions. For him to be brought back and made captain is a slap in the face for Caribbean cricket lovers".