We've had such a long, successful time with four quicks, so maybe it's time we started turning to the slow bowlers

Neil McGarrell

McGarrell: Long spell

"It's great that we've got a lot of spinners coming to the fore.

"A lot of young spinners around the Caribbean can see McGarrell and the likes of (Dinanath) Ramnarine doing well when given the chance, which I think is good for West Indies cricket.

"We've had such a long, successful time with four quicks, so maybe it's time we started turning to the slow bowlers."

Hooper sprang a surprise after winning the toss and deciding to field on a pitch that is widely believed to become more and more spinner-friendly as the game progresses.

He said it was a decision based as much on the quality of the South African attack as the options available to himself.

"My major concern - I can't say 'our' - is that if a wicket has a lot of preparation and moisture inside like this one, what kind of damage can the South African seam attack do to us rather than what we can do to them.

"For us to win the Test match it's not going to happen in two or three days, or even four days. It will go right down to the wire.

"I wouldn't say it was negative, but the longer we stay in the game, the better out chance of winning it."