Lara’s opinion valid, but will not really work

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
Batting legend Brian Lara has predicted a tough England series for West Indies and says veteran left-hander, Shivnarine Chanderpaul needs to bat higher in the team, in order to strengthen an otherwise inexperienced line-up. Lara is quite right, but other factors must be taken into account.
Now, as all can see, West Indies are not faring well at all. The opening tour match predicted it all–the visitors went down without a fight. The first test had a few bright episodes, but generally, West Indies fell woefully short. The disparity between the two sides is obvious.
I ask that cricket pundits simply compare the first three batsmen on each side, then go and take a look at the respective bowling attacks. It leaves a very dismal outlook. So Mr Lara is quite aware of the situation.
Now the former star wants Shivnarine Chanderpaul to move up the order, opining that this would help put the Windies in winning positions (rather than his current role of salvaging matches, coming in at five) Lara wants to know why Chanderpaul, being so consistent, would not choose to bat with some more experienced, talented players up the order. Now, this is my take–who can bat–there is no Chris Gayle nor Ramnaresh Sarwan. I have noticed flashes of good from Darren Bravo, but so far, the top four have shown little to get excited about. Also, Chanderpaul is not a ball beater. When he is on the attack, there is a fear that he might fall early.
He is skilful, but not naturally talented as a Lara or Sir Viv. Chanderpaul plays on the merit, and that is why he cannot wait for singles of the last two balls. If people over estimate him, he might just hurry his game, and this will be a big disaster.
No one should really try to make him otherwise. He thrives when he has to play ‘back against the wall’ cricket. I say just leave him there to flourish.
I close by stating that what is happening is all the fault of the decision makers. With Otis Gibson and Darren Sammy, it would be better even to get rid of Chanderpaul. Gibson and Sammy can only deal with lesser mortals, which is how the West Indies Cricket Board leaders really like to operate.
Yours truly,
Dennis Hawthorne

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