Date:26/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/26/stories/2008052654631900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Courageous Chanderpaul stands firm

KINGSTON: West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, given the all-clear after a brain scan, revealed the drama of being struck on the head by a bouncer from bowler Brett Lee during a brave century against Australia.

Chanderpaul was struck down during the third day of the first Test on Saturday but pressed on and was taken to hospital for the scan after close of play.

A West Indies spokesman said no damage had been shown by the scan and that while Chanderpaul would likely skip fielding duties, he would definitely be able to bat in West Indies’ second innings.

The left-hander collapsed to the floor and lay motionless for several minutes, with his wife watching anxiously from the stands, before he received medical treatment and stood up to continue his innings.

The Guyanese batsman was on 86 at the time and went on to make 118, earning a standing ovation from the Sabina Park crowd and helping revive West Indies’ chances in the Test.

“When I went down I did not know where I was,” said Chanderpaul. “My entire body went numb, I could not move my hands and I could not move my feet. I was down but when I found myself I decided to get up and continue the fight. I was in pain, it was hurting. I was down but not out,” Chanderpaul said.

West Indies made 312 — 119 short of Australia’s first innings total of 431 — but made a dramatic fightback with the ball in the last hour, dismissing Australia’s top four batsmen for 17.