>

**** Plaudits for Tiger ****

  • Mail
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
  • Visitor
22 Sep 2014 07:28 - 22 Sep 2014 07:40 #214363 by Mail
Source: www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/782009.html

Run machine. It's one of those pervasive cricket clichés, like Ravi Shastri's tracer bullet. But for a while I thought that Shivnarine Chanderpaul might have been an actual run machine, a technically advanced automaton whose purpose was to keep West Indies competitive. The evidence was compelling.

How else could Chanderpaul be struck in the head by a Brett Lee bouncer in Jamaica in 2008, crumple to the ground in total numbness, both physical and cognitive, but then get up, bat on, and score a century? It was a Terminator-like revival, from a figure more Danny DeVito than his twin, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

How else could he bat for more than 25 hours in a Test series between dismissals, face 1050 consecutive Test deliveries without losing his wicket, as he did against India in 2002? How could he bat for more than 17 hours between dismissals in 2004, again in 2007, and more than 18 hours in 2008? It's like John Isner winning a set 70-68 at Wimbledon and then doing it again, and again, and again.

The proof that finally convinced me Chanderpaul was flesh and blood was the discovery that he has produced a son. That and the fact that we're living in an age of planned obsolescence. Machines are no longer built to last, certainly not for 20 years. Chanderpaul functions as effectively today as on his Test debut in 1994.

Yes, Shiv is a man. A quiet man, an inspiration to introverts like me everywhere. He goes to work, does his thing, does it damn well, and does it over and over and over again. He is understated and underestimated. How can a man with nearly 12,000 Test runs still be viewed as an underdog? In part because his team rarely wins. But also, I suspect, because of his nature.

[glow=red,2,300]If a stubborn batsman can be said to be married to his wicket, Chanderpaul and his are celebrating their 20th anniversary and still going strong[/glow]

Twitter tells me more than I ever thought I would know about Shane Warne's relationships, Chris Gayle's eating habits, Kevin Pietersen's opinions. I couldn't care less. In Chanderpaul I sense a kindred spirit, reserved and self-contained. He seems not to care what anyone thinks, and I respect that. He has played Test cricket for two decades but is still a mystery. I like that.

Chanderpaul has been so good for so long that he has played with the 163rd West Indies Test cricketer, Desmond Haynes, and with the 300th, Leon Johnson. And most in between. He knows that quicker and easier doesn't mean better. When your name is Shivnarine Chanderpaul, you probably work that lesson out when you first learn to write your name.

There were other things Chanderpaul learnt early in life. If a stubborn batsman can be said to be married to his wicket, Chanderpaul and his are celebrating their 20th anniversary and still going strong. Mind you, they'd been going steady for 12 years prior. At 8, he was fending off concrete balls hurled by grown men in a training method his father believed would make him tough.

If it sounds harsh, it was at least effective. It also led to his unique stance, originally concocted to protect himself. Chanderpaul is now 40, but he still faces up that same way, 90 degrees askew, as if expecting the square-leg umpire to bowl to him. Glenn McGrath usually seemed unshakeable but said it was off-putting to run in while the batsman stood front-on with his bat behind his shoulder.

For the viewer, it's mesmerising. He's not in position, he can't be ready, oh he's punched a three through cover. He's not watching, he can't play that shot, oh he's tickled another two behind square. Of course, he's always watching intently from behind the supermarket-bought anti-glare strips under his eyes. Always ready to nudge and nurdle.

Fittingly, he shares his name with a small stabbing weapon. A shiv can bring death by a thousand cuts. What better description of Chanderpaul? Alas, his work often does not prove fatal to his opponents. He has played in 74 losing Tests, more than any other player in history. Sachin Tendulkar won fewer Tests than Chanderpaul has lost. Still he chooses to bat on.

And on, and on. Most recently it was another series without losing his wicket. He batted more than 12 hours against Bangladesh without once being dismissed. He became the first 40-year-old in 20 years to score a Test century, and moved up to third on the ICC's Test batting rankings. By the ICC's reckoning, only Kumar Sangakkara and AB de Villiers are currently better Test batsmen than Chanderpaul.

Where would West Indies be without him? His Test record is notable for its strength against the best opposition teams. He averages 63 against India, 52 against England, 50 against South Africa, 49 against Australia. Chanderpaul has his critics, those who say he should bat higher than No. 5, take on more responsibility in a team that lacks potency. [glow=red,2,300]I say get off his back, just let Shiv do his thing.[/glow]

Usually his thing is to demoralise bowlers slowly, silently. But occasionally, he can destroy them. Consider the list of the fastest Test hundreds: Viv Richards, Adam Gilchrist, Jack Gregory, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, David Warner, Chris Gayle. Sorry, what? Shivnarine Chanderpaul? You no more expect to see his name in that company than you do Chris Tavaré's or Bill Lawry's.

His 69-ball century against Australia in Guyana in 2003 proved that he cannot be defined solely by his seriousness. There were hooks and pulls off Lee and Jason Gillespie, no quarter given to loose balls from Stuart MacGill and Brad Hogg. And the next match it was back to normal, a cautious 21 off 92 balls. It was like seeing Lloyd Bridges turn comedian in Airplane, just to prove that he could.

But he can't do everything. Captaincy wasn't for Shiv. He led West Indies in 14 Tests but the role did not fit him. Not everyone is suited to leadership. Little wonder this little wonder was among them.

"As a captain you have more responsibilities, you have to say more things, you have to be more open, you can't be quiet, you have to try and get involved in everything," Chanderpaul once said. "At times it can make you stressed out, doing these things over and over."

I hear you, Shiv. You may get called a run machine, but I know you're just a man. The man. Keep doing your own thing, what you've been doing at 20, 30 and 40. I hope you're still doing it at 50.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Mail
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
  • Visitor
22 Sep 2014 07:41 #214365 by Mail
One of the better articles about Shiv.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 08:26 #214366 by Calypso
You go Shiv !!!  .......... and keep on going !!!!  8)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Mail
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
  • Visitor
22 Sep 2014 10:10 #214387 by Mail
Just thought the scribe could have included some more recent feats.


Since Shiv's mishap as Captain, his stocks have been on the rise.



Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:26 - 22 Sep 2014 10:33 #214396 by Rev Al

LINK


67.33 Chanderpaul
67.16 Sangakkara

* Shiv has the highest average in tests since March 2006.

Rev
Last edit: 22 Sep 2014 10:33 by Rev Al.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:27 #214397 by ketchim
mis·hap  noun  : an unlucky accident. 

re·lin·quish  verb  : voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:31 #214398 by Rev Al

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJ-olZlVxXxgVm3xq_8I4hNcE_PkOQHf0x623o_RcbJgJUbdlxvw

SHIV HEADED ALL THE WAY TO AN HISTORIC 16,000 TEST RUNS.

* Who allah bless no man curse. :D

Rev

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:33 #214399 by Googley
Its a shame really.  This great man is admired and honored more so outside of his home region.  He is an inspiration to the world yet WI find ways to bring him down.  They want him to be what he is not.  They are not satisfied that he is Shiv and will be Shiv and thats what makes him great.  Nooo, they want him to be different so he can fail! 

Its a shame really! 

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:38 #214400 by Rev Al

* If it was Darren Bravo or Kraig Brathwaite or Jermaine Blackwood who had 11,684 runs at an average of 53.10 in 158 tests with 30 hundreds and 65 fifties, do you believe anyone would question their greatness ?

* The folks trying to diminish Shiv's great achievements can't stand the thought of an East Indian Guyanese being the most capped WI cricketer with the most runs scored in WI history.

* RACISM PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Rev

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
22 Sep 2014 10:47 #214404 by ketchim
Flavored with Mammaguy, Picong and (drum roll please)  Bandanya !  :(

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Time to create page: 0.266 seconds
PatienceBEAUTIFUL GUYANA CRUSH TINY BARBADOS HANDSOMELY INSIDE THREE DAYS AT GUYANA NATIONAL LORDS STADIUM .(01.02.2025, 11:35)(11:35)0
MarissaSteve Smith scored yet another test century today!
The greatest batsman in the world today!
(30.01.2025, 12:21)(12:21)0
MarissaTHE GENUINE WEST INDIES FANS REALLY DID ENJOY AND APPRECIATE THIS VICTORY.(27.01.2025, 06:40)(06:40)0
MarissaAn excellent fight back by the West Indies to dismiss Pakistan for 154. Warrican 4/43 and Motie 3/49. Well done lads. Let the cricket play.(25.01.2025, 10:44)(10:44)0
LanceTrump says he’s considering ‘getting rid of FEMA’ as he visits hurricane-damaged North Carolina(24.01.2025, 18:55)(18:55)0
DeaconCumberbatch(22.01.2025, 11:19)(11:19)0
Marissa$135 fuh reporting yuh mattie to ICE,deez nex few monts going to be quite interesting(22.01.2025, 06:51)(06:51)0
AndersExxonMobil write-down natural gas fields(20.01.2025, 23:42)(23:42)0
MarissaJangoo should be in next game , captain should be dropped,Kacy karty, should be dropped,if roach is fit I would bring him in at the expense of st Clair.(20.01.2025, 16:41)(16:41)0
Baileymessage(20.01.2025, 14:25)(14:25)0
MercyKensington Oval stadium ticket policy(19.01.2025, 23:36)(23:36)0
LanceKraigg’s time is up. He has never truly moved on as a player. Despite being captain and senior batsmen we will lose nothing with investing in a rookie.

He has given his service as an honest and wholehearted performer and would leave with my heartfelt thanks for his contribution.
(18.01.2025, 18:00)(18:00)0
ByronViv richards was the best batsman of
“his era” but he wasn’t better than Brian Lara whether it’s numbers wise or just plain batting talent and skill
Lara is on a level nobody else is on.
(17.01.2025, 17:56)(17:56)0
ByronAmir jangoo replace dasilva(17.01.2025, 06:56)(06:56)0
ByronTevin imlach gets debut(17.01.2025, 06:56)(06:56)0
LindaMy question about the West Indies cricket team.(13.01.2025, 09:06)(09:06)0
ByronWhy doesn't England have big cricket stadiums like those in Australia and India..?(11.01.2025, 15:31)(15:31)0
MaliyahHow do I purchase tickets for the upcoming cricket match at Kensington Oval in Barbados?(11.01.2025, 15:27)(15:27)0
ArielWest Indies vs India T20 match(11.01.2025, 14:59)(14:59)0
LanceFORMER JAMAICA and West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller is excited about imparting his knowledge of the game to the Caribbean side’s spin-bowling unit for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan.(10.01.2025, 18:11)(18:11)0
AmosAndrew Strauss steps down as England's director of cricket(10.01.2025, 13:06)(13:06)0
DylanChris Gayle T20 statistics(09.01.2025, 11:11)(11:11)0
SeanHello, I'm excited to join the conversation!(09.01.2025, 04:47)(04:47)0
LanceThe Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch, used for the recent fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), has received a 'Satisfactory' rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The world body has rated all other four BGT venues - Optus Stadium in Perth, Adelaide Oval, the Gabba in Brisbane, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) - 'Very Good.'(08.01.2025, 20:03)(20:03)0
LanceYounis Khan to mentor Afghanistan at Champions Trophy 2025(08.01.2025, 20:02)(20:02)0
MercySouth Africa cricket team upcoming matches schedule(07.01.2025, 16:11)(16:11)0
JavierType something here and click Submit or hit Enter...(07.01.2025, 07:37)(07:37)0
IvannaTest comment for registration.(06.01.2025, 16:33)(16:33)0
AdrianDarren Bravo had a remarkable 2020 cricket season, showcasing his skills and talent on the field. His impressive performance was a significant factor in the team's success, and his dedication to the sport is truly admirable. Bravo's ability to adapt to different playing conditions and his consistent batting average made him a valuable asset to the team. What are your thoughts on Darren Bravo's performance in the 2020 cricket season?(06.01.2025, 04:35)(04:35)0
RileyCan you provide me with the contact information for the Czech Cricket Union (Českomoravský Kriketový Svaz)?(06.01.2025, 03:35)(03:35)0
RyleeI am looking for the contact information for the Czech Cricket Union (Českomoravský Kriketový Svaz). Can you please provide it?(05.01.2025, 21:05)(21:05)0
Karsyn2023 West Indies vs England test match series(04.01.2025, 19:29)(19:29)0
ElsaDarren Bravo 2020 cricket season(04.01.2025, 13:21)(13:21)0
Reagan2023 West Indies vs England test match series discussion(04.01.2025, 12:47)(12:47)0
RoyalWest Indies vs England test match series 2023(04.01.2025, 04:45)(04:45)0
LylahWest Indies vs Sri Lanka test series(04.01.2025, 03:06)(03:06)0
LydiaRohan Kanhai(04.01.2025, 01:29)(01:29)0
AryannaWest Indies vs England test match series 2023(04.01.2025, 00:26)(00:26)0
LexieHello, I'm excited to join the Cricket West Indies community!(03.01.2025, 23:05)(23:05)0
MauriceWest Indies vs England test match series 2023(03.01.2025, 16:56)(16:56)0
Kaelyn2023 West Indies vs England test match series(03.01.2025, 16:34)(16:34)0
ScottWest Indies vs England series discussion(03.01.2025, 15:09)(15:09)0
AryannaWest Indies vs England test match series(03.01.2025, 15:08)(15:08)0
Rhettupcoming Test tours(03.01.2025, 13:36)(13:36)0
Mackenzie2023 West Indies vs England test match series(03.01.2025, 10:04)(10:04)0
Lanceindia bowled out cheaply(03.01.2025, 09:45)(09:45)0
GinoWest Indies vs England test match series 2023(03.01.2025, 07:32)(07:32)0
KaidenceJason Holder West Indies captaincy(03.01.2025, 06:43)(06:43)0
AllenWest Indies vs India first test(03.01.2025, 05:35)(05:35)0
MackenzieWest Indies vs England test match series 2023(03.01.2025, 05:24)(05:24)0
Dominic
Go to top