Chanderpaul stands tall with immaculate ton

Tagenarine Chanderpaul made an immediate mark in his first innings in West Indies colours when he struck a high-quality hundred on Day 2 of the four-day ‘pink-ball’ match on Thursday night.

The 26-year-old left-hander, son of legend Shiv Chanderpaul made 119 as West Indies, replying to the Australian Prime Minister XI’s 322, reached the close at Manuka Oval on 234-7 in their first innings.

He batted just under six hours, faced 293 balls and hit 13 fours and a six – a combination of crisp off-side drives and adventurous on-side strokes – en route to his sixth first-class century.

Chanderpaul’s form could see him partner captain Kraigg Brathwaite at the top of the order for next Wednesday’sopening Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia.

“It was a bit tough but I got through the new-ball up front. I tried to get a score and keep things going and try and score when I can,” Chanderpaul said. “I didn’t get any runs last week in the first tour match when I was ill so it was nice to get some runs today and get a feel. Hopefully things go well if selected for the Test match in Perth.”

Brathwaite made 47 and keeper Joshua Da Silva got 25, while off-spinner Todd Murphy (3-27) and new-ball seamer Joel Paris (3-31) were the leading bowlers for the home team.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph had earlier taken the last wicket to finish with four for 65 as the hosts added 25 to their overnight 297 for nine before being dismissed. Chanderpaul then safely negotiated the new ball in a productive 94-run, opening stand with Brathwaite who faced 98 balls and counted seven fours.

The match continues on Friday at 2pm (11pm ThursdayEastern Caribbean/10pm Thursday Jamaica).  (West Indies Cricket)