RECENTLY retired West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has high hopes that a new generation of regional cricketers will copy his determination, but definitely not his batting stance.After scoring an impressive 11 867 runs in a record 164 Tests, at an average of 51, a set of statistics only bettered by Brian Lara (11 953 at an average of 52.88) on the all-time West Indies list, the cricketer’s awkward stance at the crease has always been a source of discussion. The awkward posture in front of the wickets is often described as a crab-like, front-on stance.
“It’s not something young players around should imitate. It is very difficult and has got a lot to do with what I did,” Chanderpaul said.
“I think you should be more side on. I was trying to balance but was falling over a lot in the beginning; hence I opened up a little bit to find balance. Younger generation should stand side on. It was something I practised and that helped me with my balance which was good for me over the years.”
Chanderpaul still managed to be effective, saying his role in the West Indies side was always to hold the innings together.