Another welcome landmark for Shivnarine Chanderpaul

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
Shivnarine Chanderpaul continues to solidify his place among the many batting greats in the sport of cricket. The man has just notched up first class game number 300. The feat became his, when he represented Derbyshire against Sussex, in an English county match. This deserves a word of praise. Only six men in the history of the game have reached such a landmark of appearances with a higher average than Chanderpaul’s 56.19. Greatness, I must say, takes into consideration not only longevity, but quality performances, and Shiv is right on target here.
The list is headed by Denis Compton and also comprises Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Garfield Sobers, Ranjitsinhji, Graeme Hick and Barry Richards. This is a fabulous company.
And in terms of actual test cricket, Chanderpaul stands alongside Sobers and Tendulkar (among this five) in terms of greatness. Chanderpaul, with this game under his belt, has now scored 22,139 first class runs and has a high-score of 303. I will not talk batsmanship, as our left-handed idol may never warrant a second look. What is nice to note is that he goes about his craft in his own inimitable way. He is considered limited in terms of stroke-play, but his effectiveness is what matters. I like the fact that Chanderpaul is least bothered by what happens around him. He is a model of concentration, and if I have to give a title to him, I will call him ‘Mr Cricket’. Michael Hussey does not compare, even though he has that nickname.
Chanderpaul may be around the test and first class arenas for another two years and I hope that he continues to inspire, be in good stead, advise the younger generation, and be finally utilised by local sporting bodies.
Yours respectfully,
Zoreene Hack
Chanderpaul fan

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