A Hooper XI, scoring 275 for two off 46.2 overs, recorded an eight-wicket win over a Ridley Jacobs XI (252 for 6 off 50 overs) in the last practice match under lights at the Stanford Cricket Ground.

"I thought it was a very good two weeks. I think you can see that from (the game on Sunday) it was a vast improvement on the game we played on Thursday.

I think we are ready and good …," Hooper told reporters at the end the game.

"I think the pitch was better (than that for the first game). We have been fine-tuning slowly but surely, and building the momentum up since the first week. I was quite happy with the way things went (on Sunday).

"I think it is a good send off for us. The batsmen look good. The bowling could have been a bit better but having said that the pitch was good (for batting).

"I think there is going to be a lot of pressure (on the bowlers) not only (our) fast bowlers but also generally most teams.

"The composition of our team in the last 10 to 12 one-dayers has been three quicks with the part-time bowlers filling in. We were expecting the pacers to bowl 30 overs. So of course they will be up against it."

Hooper defended the decision to have a camp rather than being involved in a series.

"We just came back from a tour of Bangladesh and India so we are really not short of cricket. The guys have had only a Christmas break so while we may want to play as much cricket as possible we have got to be careful not to burn ourselves out," he said.

The Guyanese batsman said part of their game plan is to beat South Africa in their opening match on February 9.

"I think it is important to win our first game against South Africa. I've got a feeling that how well we do in the first game is going to set the tone for the rest of competition, so it is important for us to try get off on a positive note and no better than beating the South Africans.

"I'm optimistic about our chances at the World Cup. The last big tournament we had was the ICC (International Cricket Council) Champions Trophy and it was very disappointing to lose (narrowly) to the South Africans.

"Having said that, we hope to play some good cricket. There were a lot of positives we took from that tour and the India series, so we have got a lot of plusses to look forward to in this World Cup."

Hooper, who missed the last two World Cups in 1996 and 1999 for personal reasons, said he has not set himself any individual goals.

"This World Cup is not about Carl Hooper. It is about West Indies cricket. We have slowly but surely turned the corner. This is going to be good launch pad to say 'look West Indies cricket is back and a force to be reckoned with'", he said.

"I've always enjoyed playing for the West Indies whether it is a World Cup game or ordinary one-day international. Obviously, the World Cup is a big tournament but I don't think my effort is going to be any more than it has been for some 215-220 one-day internationals."

LARA'S FORM
Commenting on star batsman Brian Lara's form, Hooper said he would be in nick for the opening game.

"Brian had two knocks here and didn't post a big score. But a player like Brian Lara, come the first game against South Africa, I'm sure he is going to be ready. I'll be ready too."

He said batsman Marlon Samuels' withdrawal because of injury was a "big blow", but his replacement Ryan Hinds should be capable of filling in.

"I think Marlon has been playing well since he returned to the team after surgery. He played well in India and was very handy with the ball. (His withdrawal) is a big blow to us so somebody else has got to step up. I think Ryan Hinds is being asked to fill his shoes and he is quite capable of doing so. He (effected) a run-out. He looked good batting and also looked good bowling."

When asked about his knees which he had surgery on last December, Hooper said: "they are holding up."