History-maker Chanderpaul cherishes Windies' 500th Test

Gros Islet (St. Lucia), Sep 13 (IANS/CMC) West Indies' most capped player, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is cherishing the 500th Test to be played by the regional side, and says it is a reminder of the rich cricketing heritage of the Caribbean.

The second and final Test against Bangladesh starting here Saturday will signal the historic landmark and Chanderpaul says he is looking forward to being part of the occasion, reports CMC.

"This is a wonderful occasion for West Indies cricket and I'm delighted to be part of it," said Chanderpaul.

"This is a milestone that we have achieved and as a West Indian I am proud and I want to keep the West Indies flag flying as high as possible."

The veteran left-hander, more than anyone else, understands the significance of the moment as he has helped to write his own chapter of that proud history.

His 157 Tests are the most by any West Indies player and his 11,499 runs at an average of 52 puts him only behind Brian Lara for the most career runs.

Chanderpaul has scored 29 Test centuries, again only behind Lara with 34 for a West Indian.

"I will remind the fellows in the dressing room about the history and where we came from, about the past and how as West Indians we have to fight as hard as we can. We are a people who will never give up, who will fight all the way," Chanderpaul stressed.

"As a youngster when I came into the team, I was among many greats, and I got a full appreciation of what it meant to represent the West Indies. We have a rich legacy and a great history and we are all happy to be part of this great match."

Chanderpaul made his debut as a 19-year-old against England in his native Bourda back in 1994, in a side that included legends Desmond Haynes, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Lara.

--IANS/CMC

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