Ground staff at Bourda work feverishly yesterday to get the field in playing condition for today's scheduled fourth one-day international between the West Indies and Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, forecasts indicate the likelihood of more rain in Guyana today. - Photo by Dellmar Samuels
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):
SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL is adjusting nicely to life after the West Indies captaincy.
The 31-year-old Chanderpaul, who has played 94 Tests and 185 one-day internationals, resigned from the position last month after a difficult year in the job, but continues to make a significant contribution to team development.
"Shiv has come back in a great manner and he is there fully supportive," remarked Brian Lara, who succeeded Chanderpaul in the job.
"Even though he has resigned his position, I still think he is taking on a leadership role, which is great. That itself is a plus for West Indies cricket."
Chanderpaul, who had taken over from Lara in March last year, gave up the position to focus on his batting and other areas of his cricket.
Under his leadership, West Indies lost 10 of their 14 Tests, and won only one, and in ODIs, had two wins and 14 defeats in his 16 games in charge.
Lara was again challenged about the decision not to appoint a vice-captain for the ODIs against Zimbabwe, and once more reiterated that the matter would sort itself out.
VICE-CAPTAINCY ISSUE
"I feel there are two or three guys who can actually go out there and do a decent job in case I have to leave the field or in case I am missing a match for whatever reason," Lara said.
"It is not a situation that we should beat over its head. It's going to handle itself.
"What West Indians want is that the next person who takes over this team, be it tomorrow or in a year's time, is the right person for the job and somebody we can depend on to lead West Indies into a bright future."
Asked about working with Bennett King, after Chanderpaul had complained that during his tenure the West Indies head coach had imposed himself, Lara said they were still working out the finer details of their relationship.
"My short stint with him this time around has been something of all the heads coming together and deciding on how we'll move forward," Lara said.
"In any committee there is going to be debate and that is always going to be very healthy. He's been welcome to this.
"I think he knows that with the likes of Joey Carew, Gordon Greenidge and Clyde Butts, he has people who know their cricket and know West Indies cricket in particular, people who he can depend on for sound advice."
