KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding says he does not agree with the former Indian captain Rahul Dravid who has suggested that middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul be promoted in the order.
Dravid made the suggestion following West Indies humiliating defeat to India by an innings and 51 runs in the first test match which finished inside three days.
However, in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Holding says other batsmen need to step up their game.
“I think though when you look at the names and the talent of the guys that are in this West Indies team, he is batting at the right position,” said Holding.
“Young Darren Bravo, he should have been producing a lot more runs. He should have been the one coming in at three or four and getting a lot of runs and Shivnarine Chanderpaul stay in at number five. Remember he is not a young man anymore”.
Chanderpaul was among the leading scorers for West Indies in the first test against India- 31 not out and 36.
According to Dravid:” He is batting a little bit to low in this kind of batting line up where their batting is almost ending at number five. You can’t have their best batsman as your last recognized batsman so to speak”.
Chanderpaul was set to become the first West Indies player to appear in 150 Tests, and the seventh player to achieve the landmark as West Indies play India in the second test on Thursday. (Wednesday midnight East Caribbean Time).
Holding has appealed to the likes of Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo to come to the party.
“Samuels, again a very talented batsman for the West indies. The two openers, Darren Bravo, Samuels should be the first four then Chanderpaul. I have no problems with that,” said Holding.
“Samuels and Bravo, you can’t call them youngsters anymore and that they need grooming.. they need to take up their responsibility and let Chanderpaul stay at five”.
