Though he continues to cling to optimism, former West Indies captain Carl Hooper says the current state and direction of West Indies cricket has him deeply concerned, particularly after the team's disappointing performances in the first two Tests against Australia.

For Hooper, it was not just the 159-run and 133-run defeats that raised alarm, but the lack of fight and clarity, especially in the second Test in Grenada. Despite signs of improvement, the West Indies folded again under pressure, ceding an unassailable 2-0 series lead to Australia ahead of Saturday’s final Test at Sabina Park.

"The concerning thing is to be rolled over in 33 overs in Barbados and then 34 overs in Grenada. I think that's disappointing. It's not only disappointing, but I'm looking at the body language and the manner in which we're being rolled over. I mean, it's total surrender. I try to remain optimistic, but when you see stuff like that, you typically wonder, where the hell are we going? You know, I think that was very, very poor," Hooper said on the Mason and Guest show.

Hooper was also puzzled by the selection decisions, as he questioned the inclusion of fast bowler Anderson Phillip instead of a specialist batter in the second Test. He believes that Tevin Imlach, who was called into the squad, should have been used to shore up the fragile batting line-up.

"When we left out the vice-captain, Jomel Warrican, I thought they would have brought in a batter like [Tevin] Imlach to bolster things. The last time I was on, I suggested [Shai] Hope go up to four to give him some more responsibility, but that didn't happen," Hooper argued.

"Between [Roston] Chase and Phillip, they bowled 24 overs in the match, but the problem is with our batting. Yes, you have to take 20 wickets, but for God's sake, you have to score some runs too. There’s a saying that six batsmen don’t work, and seven won’t either, but brother, we’ve got to try and get every single run," he added.

Hooper also lauded Brandon King’s composed half-century in Grenada, which he believes is proof that application at the crease can still yield success.

"King played wonderfully well. It shows that if you apply yourself, you can score runs," Hooper declared.

Ahead of the historic pink-ball Test at Sabina Park, Hooper believes the team must be bold with selections. If the pitch does not favour spin, he suggests Guyanese wicketkeeper/batsman Imlach should take the gloves and Hope move up to strengthen the top order. He also encouraged Captain Chase to take on a heavier bowling workload to ease the burden on Shamar Joseph, who has carried the pace attack in the series.

As for Kraigg Brathwaite, whose lean run continues, Hooper feels the veteran opener has earned one last opportunity.

"I was really rooting for him to get some runs, even 50 in that second game. I want him to play in Jamaica because there are not many other options, so I would say, ‘Brother, I will give you the Jamaica Test, and then we sit down and have a chat, and maybe that's it after Jamaica. I think he deserves that respect," Hooper ended.