DHAKA, Bangladesh – Shivnarine Chanderpaul said he welcomed his second Test double hundred.
The veteran West Indies left-handed batsman gathered an undefeated 203 to lead West Indies to 527 for four declared in their first innings in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium here.
Chanderpaul stretched his innings to when West Indies made the declaration about 20 minutes before tea on the second day, equalling the same score he made against South Africa seven years ago on home soil at Bourda Oval in Guyana for his highest score in Tests.
The 38-year-old reached his landmark from 367 balls, when he turned a delivery from Sohag Gazi into mid-wicket for a deuce.
He is now level with the peerless Garfield Sobers on the list of century-makers in Tests from West Indies with 26.
“Sir Garry is Sir Garry,” he said. “Being level on centuries with Sir Garry is good, but I cannot be Sir Garry.
“I have played a lot more games than Sir Garry, but it’s still a great honour to be mentioned in the same sentence with Sir Garry.”
He added: “In my career, I have not scored too many Test double hundreds, so it was truly satisfying to get past that landmark.
“The team comes first [so I am not concerned about passing my highest Test score]. No matter what is the individual’s score. Whatever is the team plan, we have to stick to it. I was just happy to get past 200.”
Chanderpaul said his desire for runs and the love of the game were God-given talents which he has worked hard to cultivate over the years.
“It is something that I have tried very hard over the years to do,” he said. “I’ve tried hard to improve and tried hard to get better at everything I do. I’m happy that I am still able to score hundreds and batting well at this stage.
“Where I bat could be one of the reasons why I have not scored many more double hundreds. But I had many opportunities to get big scores and I didn’t. It’s unfortunate, but it’s how the game is played at times, so I was thankful that I was able to cross the double-hundred mark this time.”
Chanderpaul showered Kieran Powell with praise for his second Test hundred and felt the rookie opener was an example of the talent which West Indies will have to offer in the future.
“Powell played a fantastic innings,” he said. “Unfortunately, he got out when he did. I had a quiet chat with him about the way he got out.
“I’ve seen him score two Test hundreds already and I do not see anybody getting him out. He’s the one giving his wicket away. This is something about which I have spoken to him. I feel West Indies cricket looks very bright for the future. We have some really good, young players.”
Chanderpaul said West Indies will be looking to step up the pressure on Bangladesh on Thursday’s third day, as the hosts resume on 164 for three, seeking a further 164 to avoid the follow-on.