Chanderpaul back and raring to go at derbyshire

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has returned from international duty with the West Indies and says he’s raring to go ahead of the Old Speckled Hen Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which begins on Sunday, by Harry Foley

Chanderpaul returns to The 3aaa County Ground on the back of the West Indies’ three-match Test series against New Zealand in the Caribbean, in which the diminutive run-scorer hit 195 runs at an average just shy of 50.

The 39-year-old’s attention now turns to this week’s Old Speckled Hen Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chanderpaul hopes he can make a telling contribution on his return in a Derbyshire shirt.

“I was watching pretty much every Derbyshire game while I was in the West Indies. I’ve been following what’s happening and I’m happy to be back,” Chanderpaul said.

“We’ve got some big games coming up at Chesterfield. I have had a net today, trying to get some of the jetlag out of the system and getting ready to return to action.

“Hopefully I can get some runs and we can get some wins behind us.

“We need some confidence as a team. We didn’t have a good start to the season, but I think if we can get some confidence back then the guys should be able to perform.

“We’ve got some young players coming up and they’re looking the part. Hopefully they can carry on and do well for us.”

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Fixtures 2014

Sunday 6 July – 2.30pm | Derbyshire Falcons v Leicestershire Foxes | NatWest T20 Blast

Monday 7 July to Thursday 10 July – 11am | Derbyshire v Essex | LV= County Championship

Sunday 13 July – 2.30pm | Derbyshire Falcons v Yorkshire Vikings | NatWest T20 Blast