THE EDITOR, Sir:

In a recent Foster's Focus column (Thursday, April 24) in The Gleaner, the author tries to argue that, the backbone of West Indies cricket, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, places a higher priority on himself than on the teams he represents, an argument that the author fails to substantiate with evidence.

The focus was on two events, the first ODI of the just-concluded series between the West Indies and Sri Lanka and the recent Carib Beer Series match between Guyana and the Windward Islands.

Considering Shiv's career spans 109 Tests, 231 ODIs and 217 first-class matches, I consider the prognosis ludicrous for focusing on two games from his 500-plus matches.

Excerpts of the questionable article and my rebuttals are listed below:

Author's Point 1: "I said that the moment Shiv hit the six, and I will say it again, that while Shiv did well to hit a six off the final ball, Vaas should be the one credited for the West Indies win".

Rebuttal 1: I agree Vaas certainly contributed to the West Indies victory, but by hitting a six to win the match from the last ball when exactly six runs are required, not forgetting the penultimate four, was a feat that has no precedence. 'The Tiger' must have played a part. As Tony Cozier put it, "it needed someone with a clear head . It needed Chanderpaul".

Author's Point 2: "If it wasn't for Shiv's slow batting, the West Indies would have won the game long before it came down to the final over".

Rebuttal 2: The West Indies would have won the game? My friend an 'if' cannot result in a 'would'. A more aggressive approach by Shiv would not have definitely secured the win sooner, as you presume.

Journalists and generalisations

It could have, but he could have also lost his wicket and the West Indies could have lost the match. Such generalisations should not be made by a journalist. One thing is for certain though, the West Indies did win that game, how selfish of Chanderpaul to contribute to that!

One could understand that Shiv could be considered selfish if he did not possess the ability to produce runs at a reasonable rate, but contrary to popular belief, he also has the ability to 'shift gears' particularly in the one-day game where he has scored some of the fastest centuries to date.

Out of his eight ODI centuries, five came at a strike rate of more than 90, none below 70 and out of 231 matches he has an average strike rate of 70.

Author's Point 3: "Look at how many times Shiv has almost carried, or carried, his bat through the innings without helping the Windies' cause. Shiv even, just recently, in a Carib Beer Series match for Guyana against the Windward Islands, failed to turn up for the second day's play, this after he was set to resume on 76 not out. He opted to attend a West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) presentation function and leave his team behind".

Rebuttal 3: During the ongoing 2007/2008 season the West Indies won three ODI s series against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and England. More concisely, the West Indies were victorious eight times during the three contests. Chanderpaul played in seven of those victories and walked away not out five out of the seven times. But that's not all, included in the five not out contributions are two 50s and two centuries. I therefore conclude that in at least 50 per cent of the past year's victories, Chanderpaul carried his bat through the innings helping the West Indies to victory.

relevant clearances

As for Shiv's absence from the Guyana team in the Windward Islands match, I am sure the author has read that Shiv got all the relevant clearance to attend a WIPA function on Sunday at which he collected the three major awards. Guyana Cricket Board president Chetram Singh explained that, "Shiv asked to go before the match began and permission was granted. He agreed to play for his country which was good for the game, especially since (Ramnaresh) Sarwan was asked to rest from this game."

Many famed West Indian players in the past have opted not to play regional cricket with no valid explanation. Shiv's reason was valid and he still managed to contribute significantly to that match.

In closing, I second Tony Cozier in saying, "Whatever the reasons, Chanderpaul's quality has always been undervalued, in spite of an impressive record in 14 years of international cricket," despite this he continues to be the rock of the team. The claim that Shiv is not a team player is based on speculation and assumptions and lacks supporting evidence. The attack on Chander-paul's devotion to West Indies cricket can only be described as poor journalism that needed more focus.

I am, etc.,

RAVI BADALOO

ravibadaloo@hotmail.com.

The EDITOR, Sir:

IN A recent article, columnist Tony Becca wrote: "Maybe because of the absence of Brian Lara and not so much because of the presence of Christopher Gayle as the captain, the West Indies played as a team."

Tony Becca, Why are you bashing Chris Gayle so much; Chris is becoming the main ingredient in the West Indies team, can't you see that?

I am, etc.,

TONY HANNA

jiggsf112@hotmail.com

Miami, Florida

THE EDITOR, Sir:

GOOD DAY from Brooklyn, New York. I'm just sending a word of appreciation to The Gleaner for the extensive coverage on Champs 2008.

As a tremendous fan of track and field and at a point in my life being coached by the late great Herb McKenley, I am certainly thankful for your coverage.

I noticed, however, in writer Elton Tucker's description of the 400m hurdles he mentioned where St Jago's Ryker Hilton (I believe) finishing a "disappointing third". If I may implore sports writers, in particular covering school sports, to stay away from descriptives such as 'disappointing'. These kids work very hard to even make the team, and even better to survive qualifying rounds to make the final, so don't break their spirits with 'disappointing finishes.

They read the news too.

I am, etc.,

GORDON MCKENZIE

lyndhurstd@msn.com

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I BELIEVE that it is time for Asafa Powell's coach to step aside. It is obvious that he is over-training his athletes. There have been too many major injuries to athletes under his care.

Asafa's preparation for the Olympics has been seriously compromised with the latest injury to his chest muscle. This coach's training methods needs to be scrutinised.

I am, etc.,

BARRINGTON FORBES

gee4_99@yahoo.com

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I THINK the West Indies selectors should consider bringing Jermaine Lawson and Wavell Hinds into the squad.

Also, the bowlers should be more supportive to each other. Continue to bowl length and line to force the batsmen to play and the wickets will fall. It does not matter who gets the wickets as long as they fall.

I am, etc.,

ALIEU