Shiv ready to pass it on

DOMINICA – West Indies’ most capped Test cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul wants to pass on his knowledge to the younger players and help the regional team to become a triumphant unit again.
In expressing delight at reaching the milestone of 133 Test matches, the most appearances in the history of West Indies cricket, the 36-year-old former Windies captain said he had two major goals now.
“The first is to help the West Indies team start winning again and the second is to pass on some of my knowledge and experience to the young players to help them improve their game and take West Indies cricket forward,” he said.
Chanderpaul was speaking on Wednesday after the first day’s play of the third Digicel Test against India at Windsor Park.
He said he never envisaged playing the most Test matches for the West Indies. Courtney Walsh (132) and Brian Lara (131) were the most capped West Indians before him.
“This is a milestone I never dreamt of achieving, certainly not when I started playing Test cricket, so it is a great honour,” said the veteran.
“Throughout my long career I have always enjoyed playing the game and I love batting with a passion. That love and passion are still there and hopefully they will keep me in the game for a bit longer.
“Even though I am in the last part of my career, I still have that hunger for success,” he added.
Chanderpaul, who made his Test debut as a 19-year-old against England in his native Guyana in 1994, has scored over 9 000 Test runs with 22 centuries.
“I would like to thank all those people who have helped me along the way to reach this point in my career,” he said.