1998: Sublime Hooper century downs England, Windies win series (Antigua)

Carl Hooper crowned the 1998 England tour of the Caribbean with one of the finest innings of his Test career in the sixth and final Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground, St John’s.

Walking to the crease after centuries by Clayton Lambert and the ever-dangerous Brian Lara had put England under pressure, Hooper produced an unbeaten 108 from just 150 balls, peppered with 17 boundaries.

Batting with characteristic elegance, he drove effortlessly through the covers and punished anything short, helping the West Indies declare on 500 for 7, a commanding reply to England’s first-innings 127.

Hooper’s influence extended beyond his batting. His sharp fielding produced the crucial run-out of England captain Nasser Hussain just as England appeared capable of saving the match. He also chipped in with the wicket of Alec Stewart, ensuring England’s resistance was broken.

Once Hussain was dismissed, the innings unravelled dramatically as England collapsed from 295 for 3 to 323 all out, losing their last seven wickets for only 28 runs.

The West Indies completed victory by an innings and 52 runs, securing the six-Test series 3–1 and finishing the contest in emphatic fashion.

Although leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine was named Player of the Match for his eight wickets, Hooper’s stylish unbeaten century was widely regarded as one of the defining batting performances of the series. It was another reminder of his immense talent and ability to dominate high-quality bowling when at his fluent best.

1998.