Lloyd said Hooper told the team following Saturday's sixth One-Day International against Australia, during which he was heckled by the crowd after he was run out for five and was slack in the field. ``It took us by surprise but we just have to get on with it,'' Lloyd said.

Lloyd said Hooper gave no reasons for his decision. ``He is an excellent cricketer and it will be very difficult to replace him,'' Lloyd said. ``It's a bit unfortunate, but it will give someone else a chance to display his talents at the World Cup.''

Hooper was selected in the West Indies 15 for the seventh World Cup in England on May 14 through June 20, and now has to be replaced. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive Stephen Camacho said in Antigua that his board would have to apply to the World Cup organising committeefor clearance to change the team.

Hooper also withdrew from the previous World Cup in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka because of the after-effects of malaria. Hooper's place in the side for the seventh and final one-dayer against Australia at Kensington Oval today was taken by fast bowler Curtly Ambrose.

Hooper has had a checkered career. At his best, an elegant stroke-maker with a sound technique as well as being a useful off-spinner, Hooper played in 80 Tests, having made his debut against India at Mumbai in the 1987-88 series.

Hooper scored 4,153 Test runs at an average of 33.76, with an unbeaten 178 against Pakistan in 1993 the highest of his nine centuries. He took 93 Test wickets at an average of 47.01, his best haul being five for 26.

Hooper spent five successful seasons on the English county circuit with Kent, making his debut in 1992 and becoming a popular and respected cricketer. He scored more than 1,000 runs in county championship matches in each of his five summers with Kent.