Hooper wants big total

Hinds amassed 113 before being dismissed

West Indian skipper Carl Hooper says his side will press for a big first innings total to put maximum pressure on India in the last Test at Kingston, Jamaica.

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Indian captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss for the first time in the five match series, but invited Hooper's side to bat first.

The West Indies responded by amassing 287 for four at close of the first day.

"You've got a chance on this wicket with anything over 350," Hooper said at the end of first day's play.

"There is obviously a lot of time left in this test and we don't want to underestimate the Indians.

"We just want to get as much as possible in the first innings.

He also endorsed Ganguly's decision to invite West Indies to bat first at Kingston.

"I think I would have had a bowl as well," Hooper said after the first day's play at Kingston.

"I think this has turned out to be one of the best wickets to bat on in the Caribbean so far once the initial moisture goes.

Ramnaresh Sarawan scored a half century

"There is even bounce, good pace and the ball comes onto the bat quickly. With two settled batsmen at the crease, it's easy to bat at a good run rate.

"I guess they wanted to make use of the conditions just like we would have done.

But Hooper thought India might choose to bat first after having to field for the last three days in the drawn fourth test at Antigua.

"I was a bit surprised with their decision because they had a hard test in Antigua. I thought they might want to give the bowlers a rest.

"India had to bat first every time in the last four tests and I thought that probably they wanted to give us a shot.

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The West Indian skipper also praised left-handed opener Wavell Hinds, who scored a breezy 113 before his home crowd to lead the host charge.

"All credit to Wavell Hinds, I think he batted really well," he said.

Hinds is normally a middle-order batsman but scored 65 after being recalled to the side as an opener in Antigua in place of Stuart Williams.

"He showed a lot of character in Antigua and then came here in front of his own people and got a hundred. Congratulations to him," Hooper said.