by Albert Baldeo
Saturday, May 25, 2002 Recent developments in Caribbean cricket have heralded the second coming of Shivnarine "Tiger" Chanderpaul, as timely and as spectacular as Carl Hooper's. He is no longer the bridesmaid, as he was previously described, but the bridegroom, or "dulaha", to be culturally precise, standing like a rock with his captain.

It brings back memories of the maestros Clive Lloyd and Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai and Garry Sobers, and, more importantly at this time, transcends racial divides in Guyana and exemplifies how unity can bring us forward.

With a series average of 140.50, an aggregate of 562 Test runs from just 7 innings, decorated with three magnificent centuries, Chanderpaul, having cemented his place in the West Indies side, is on the road to securing a place in Test history as one of the most reliable batsmen.

Prior to his welcome return to form, I reminded his critics about his achievements in the article reproduced herein. Bat on Chanders, the more runs the merrier ... let your bat do the talking.

"Recently, I was perusing Wisden, the Bible of cricket, and was very impressed by fellow Guyanese Shivnarine Chanderpaul's achievements. Foremost amongst these was his undefeated 303* made against Jamaica, in the 1995-96 first class season, which made him one of the few to have scored over 300 runs in a first class innings, placing him alongside such names as Brian Lara, Donald Bradman, WG Grace, Wally Hammond and George Headley.

For West Indian batsman, this feat has been performed thus far only by Lara, Sobers, Headley, Stollmeyer, all three Ws - Worrell, Walcott and Weekes, Tarilton and Rowe. I was also impressed with his 150 against such worthy opponents as South Africa, which is one of the highest individual one-day scores for West Indians, bettered only by Richards (189*, 181, 153*), Lara (169, 153) and Haynes (152*).

In the 1998 Princess Diana Memorial match pitting the MCC against the Rest of the World, I saw him make a magnificent century, an innings in which he batted as well as champion batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Aravinda De Silva, matching them stroke for stroke.

There is no doubt that he has acquitted himself well in both the long and short versions of the game, and was, until his spate of injuries, ranked as one of the best batsmen in the world by such reputable organizations as Price Cooper Waterhouse, averaging over 40 runs per Test innings. Who would forget or deny the invaluable role he played in Brian Lara's epic world record 375, the highest individual score in Test cricket? What then ails this young batsman, who promised so much until recently?

For one thing, he must go back to basics. His professionalism must be taken to a higher level, including a full season in English county cricket to tighten his technique, if possible. He must adopt the advice of the following batting greats. Tendulkar, Stephen Waugh and Lara have all advised that you start your innings again, literally, mentally and physically, after passing each 50 in any innings, whether one day, first class or Tests.

He must be like Geoff Boycott, who was known to walk straight into the nets after compiling a century, with all his paraphernalia, to correct perceived weaknesses seen only by him, the perfectionist; or Glenn Turner, who stared at a lighted bulb for hours on end prior to an innings, presumably to enhance his powers of concentration. Or be like the Don, who practised long hours at his art in a manner which brought so much joy to him you would not think that cricket was his job, but some other fulfilling bliss.

He must be the first to look the bowler in the eyes at the crease, and not vice versa, as Alvin Kallicharran said. Like "Smoking Joe" Viv Richards, he must never be intimidated by any bowler, but like this Master Blaster, his very walk to the crease must bring fear and panic to many a bowler.

And most of all, he must have the heart of a lion, like Kanhai, Weekes and Headley, and take the attack to the bowlers, believing in himself. Legend has it that Rohan Kanhai had already played his 256 at Calcutta at 4am in his hotel room the night before his blitz, before the mirrors, preparatory work which made his focus what it should be. The result was a nightmare for Gupte and company who were literally and metaphorically knocked for sixes by Kanhai, who earned the sobriquets "Corentyne Thunder" and "The 'Lall."

And last of all, he must look for centuries not fifties, taking a fresh guard after reaching each milestone."

You have made us proud, Shiv, soldier on ... History beckons.

Albert Baldeo, born in Guyana, is a New York-based attorney

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