Sep 1 2008 by Stuart Rayner
THE world’s best batsman is on a mission between now and the end of the cricket season. Shivnarine Chanderpaul is determined to make some big contributions to Durham’s two-pronged push for trophies before the campaign finishes.
A hefty score from the Guayanese left-hander in tonight’s televised Pro40 League Division One clash against Hampshire would go a long way towards helping the Riversiders clinch the 40-over title 12 months after winning Division Two. Victory would see them leapfrog today’s hosts and move level on points at the top of the table with a game in hand over Gloucestershire. Judged by his own lofty standards, Chanderpaul’s brief stint as Durham’s overseas player has been underwhelming, averaging just 19.28 in Championship cricket with one half-century in seven innings.
While his Pro40 form has been unspectacular it has at least been consistent. In five matches he has made two match-winning fifties, the best being his man-of-the-match 77 the last time Durham were in front of the cameras.
The controversial cancellation of the Champions Trophy means Chanderpaul will now be in England for the rest of the season – he had been due to miss the last four games in all competitions – and coach Geoff Cook says the 34-year-old is determined to make use of the extra time.
“The Champions Trophy being cancelled means he’s got some extra time to get some big scores,” he explained. “I think it has been playing on his mind a little bit. But he’s a good man, he loves the game and he’s been a big influence on the dressing room. He really enjoys playing for Durham and that’s good to see.”
Durham will be without Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood, both of whom are on England duty.
The game will be played under lights and starts at 4.40pm. It will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Source: Journal Live