Left-handed opening batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of legendary West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has earned his maiden call-up to the Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia.
Tagenarine, who has scored 2669 first-class runs in 92 innings, including 5 hundred and 10 fifties, has entered the team after a good showing in the 2021-22 season of the four-day championship.
He scored 439 runs at an average of 73.16, which included a career-best 184 for Guyana against Jamaica.
Speaking to cricnation592 Tagenarine Chanderpaul said, “Obviously excited to get the call. It’s been a childhood dream to play for the West Indies.”
The West Indies Test squad is expected to assemble in Australia on November 10. They will play a three-day practice match in Canberra from November 17 followed by a four-day pink ball warm-up match against Australia Prime Minister’s XI from November 23.
“I think as always, you try to see off the new ball but when you get in, you try to make the best use of it. Hopefully get a few practice sessions in to get accustomed to the pitches and get in and get some scores,” he said.
He also struck an unbeaten 109 in a four-day match against Bangladesh A in August.
He said playing against Bangladesh was a good experience for him.
“it was nice to play with some international players in Bangladesh A series and get runs against them.”
Tagenarine also credited his grandfather who help his training sessions at home.
“Growing up my grandfather was the one who would practice me at home, take me to practice and games, so I credit it to him and I’m sure he is happy,” Chanderpaul said.
Tagenarine is set to open the batting with skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, replacing John Campbell, who earlier this month received a four-year ban for a doping violation.
The first Test will be played in Perth from November 30 to December 4 while the second Test, which is a day-night game, will be played in Adelaide from December 8-12. Both games form part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Tagenarine has potential just like his father. He will definitely do well.I wish him good luck.