Friday, April 14, 2006

by Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Sports Correspondent
Email: gary@caribbeannetnews.com

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Chetram Singh, the president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) feels Shivnarine Chanderpaul's decision to step down as West Indies captain was the correct choice.

On Tuesday, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced that the Guyanese left-hander handed in his resignation as team captain with immediate effect and Singh feels the decision will likely take the pressure off the left-hander's own batting performance.

"I think that Chanderpaul, has made the right decision," Singh said, "because since he has taken over the captaincy with the exception of the first Test where he scored a double century (203 not out against South Africa) his form has deteriorated to such an extent that in the last 14 innings he has not scored a half-century.

"Giving up the captaincy should ease him some of the mental strains of captaining a team not doing so well."

Chanderpaul, 31, is a 94 Test veteran who boast a healthy average of 44.82, including 14 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He has also featured in 183 one-day international with an average of 35.93.

In his letter to the WICB, the batting star said his lack of runs with the bat was the main reason for his decision.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tender my resignation as captain with immediate effect. This would give me the opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas of my cricket.

"I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantle on to another person. I would fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team."

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