Shiv: When you get an opportunity, score big
West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul says all the hard work he has put in "off the field" is paying off "on the field".
Speaking on Thursday after making a brilliant 104 on the second day of the first Test match at Sahara Oval, St George's, Chanderpaul said he was thrilled that his effort helped to put the West Indies on top against South Africa.
"When you get an opportunity to get in, you want to make a big score. That's something I've been working on for the past couple of years. I have been working hard in the nets - off the field, and trying to stay as fit as possible. It is paying off on the field," said Chanderpaul, who was playing his 179th Test innings in his 105th Test match."The South African bowlers were very good today and I had to do a lot of hard work out there in the middle. I had to be patient and wait for a ball to score."
It was the 17th Test century for the 34-year-old left-hander as West Indies reached a first innings score of 408. He faced 253 balls and hit 12 boundaries in an innings which lasted 394 minutes. In the final session of the day, fast bowler Daren Powell followed up with three for 40 as South Africa reached to 122 for five at the close.
Chanderpaul became the third player after West Indies batting legend Sir Everton Weekes and Zimbabwe's Andy Flower to score 50 or more in seven consecutive Test innings.
"It's great to be up there with those names, especially someone like Sir Everton," Chanderpaul said.
"I just want to keep on playing well and doing well for the team whenever I go out there in the middle. The bowlers have also been very brilliant and we look to continue the good work tomorrow."