He may have retired from international cricket or should we say he was forced to hang up his boots, but Shivnaraine Chanderpaul (42) still has a lot of cricket left in him. The former West Indian veteran of 164 Tests, 268 ODIs and 22 T20 Internationals has been signed by the Lancashire County Cricket Club for the forthcoming season. South African wicket-keeper Dane Vilas too has been roped in along with Chanderpaul, according to the website of the club.
Said coach Glen Chapple, as quoted by the website, “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Shivnarine back to Lancashire for the 2017 season. He knows what it takes to be successful and there is no doubt that he will have a positive effect on our squad. The talented squad at Lancashire is very young and Shivnarine will bring a healthy level of experience to help guide them.”
And Chanderpaul’s role will not just be confined to the field. “Whilst Shivnarine will undoubtedly have an important role to play on the field, his role off the field will be of huge importance to our young players. He’s one of the most experienced international cricketers in the history of the game and it will be a fantastic opportunity for our players to learn from him, in all aspects of the game,” Chapple was quoted by the website.
Chanderpaul too is excited to join back the club after ten years. “I can’t wait to return back to Lancashire this summer. I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the Club in 2010 and I’m looking forward to joining up with the team ahead of the start to the season. It’s an extremely ambitious Club and there are some fantastically talented young cricketers in the squad. I’m looking forward to passing on some of my experience to the younger players in the squad. The 2017 season is going to be an exciting and progressive one for Lancashire County Cricket Club, and all concerned with it,” he said.
A legend in own right, Chanderpaul has over 20,000 international runs with 41 tons to his credit and was truly an asset for the West Indian side during his days despite the presence of Brian Lara. His experience no doubt will boost up the morale of the team and the youngsters will immensely benefit from his tips.
Elaborating on the two players, Chapple said, “We’re delighted to bring two experienced international batsmen into the Club ahead of the new season. Shivnarine and Dane will form an important part of our side in 2017 and we look forward to welcoming them to Emirates Old Trafford.”
South African Vilas (31) has only played six Tests so far, but is held in high esteem by Chapple, “Signing a player of Dane’s undoubted calibre and experience is a great boost as we continue our preparations ahead of the new season. He has an excellent record in First Class cricket and is a very good wicket-keeper. Dane’s aggressive batting style will see him as an important part of our T20 and one-day sides in 2017, as well as four day cricket.
Vilas, who has signed a two-year contract added, “Lancashire is one of the biggest Clubs in England and I’m really excited about this opportunity to play my cricket at Emirates Old Trafford this summer. I’m relishing the opportunity of playing county cricket this summer. It’s going to be a huge challenge personally and I’m already looking forward to linking up with the squad ahead of the start to the season.”