Chanderpaul scores maiden Test century, Brathwaite scores 12th

- President Ali congratulates Chanderpaul

An opening double-century stand from openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul has lifted the West Indies into the ascendancy against Zimbabwe in the first Test match in Bulawayo. In control for large periods across days one and two, the pair’s biggest threat seemingly came from inclement weather, though rain only could delay the success of the pair who were both close to their best with the bat.

Brathwaite (126*) brought up his century first, reaching the milestone with a late cut through the slip cordon off the bowling of

Wellington Masakadza. Not to be outdone, Chanderpaul brought up his maiden Test century in just his third Test match, calmly pushing Victor Nyauchi into the leg-side. Chanderpaul’s hundred was also the first Test century scored by a West Indies opener outside of Brathwaite since 2013, breaking a streak of a dozen unmatched hundreds from his partner.

As a result of their efforts, the pair joined elite company in their achievement, compiling just the West Indies’ 10th opening wicket double-century stand since their first-ever Test back in 1928.

Rather fittingly, Daren Ganga, who accompanied Chris Gayle in the West Indies’ other opening double-century stand in Zimbabwe (214 in 2001 at the same ground), was on the call when the pair passed his figure. The stand is the first double-century

By Brandon Corlette in antigua

Guyana Harpy Eagles leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul recently picked up 500 wickets for Guyana in FirstClass cricket. The 33-year-old who has 574 First-Class wickets overall (including Tests, A teams and First-Class) dedicated the milestone to his dad and his late mom.

In a wide-ranging interview with <<<Guyana Times Sport>>>, after the game at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Permaul recalled the wicket of Brian Lara, and noted that it was a highlight during his road to 500 wickets while playing for Guyana.

“The second season for me, it was when I got Brian Lara caught and bowled. I think that was his last season as well. Also when I got past Mahendra Nagamootoo, who had the most wickets for Guyana at that time.”

“It is just me and Nikita Miller are the top wicket-takers at that time, and until now in the Caribbean. I am a few wickets away from being the leading wicket-taker in the Region,” Permaul said.

Permaul also thanked his parents for the sacrifices they made over the years. “I want to give God praise and thanks for giving me this opportunity for representing Guyana over the years. I want to dedicate this milestone to my parents, my father and late mother for the sacrifice they have made for me over the years.

“It is a special feeling to get more than 500 First-Class wickets for my country, I don’t think anyone else has done it (for Guyana), so it is a special feeling for me.”

When asked on how his body is feeling and how long he can keep going, the man from Albion Community Centre Cricket Club said: “I don’t know. God has that say. All I can do is go out and do the work. Put in the training and work hard on my game. God is in control.” opening stand for the team in Test cricket since 2012, and the fifth away from home.

Permaul is aiming to finish his First-Class career with the most wickets of any bowler in the Caribbean. “I am looking to finish with the most wickets (in FirstClass cricket in the Caribbean).

Perhaps making the feat more remarkable, just 17 fours and a six had been hit by the pair at stumps on day two, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiling to no avail across the two days.

The hosts’ five-pronged attack have 20 maidens to show for their efforts, with Masakadza’s 0-30 from 16 overs the most economical of the group (1.87).

President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali has congratulated Chanderpaul on his maiden Test century. Ali posted the congratulatory message on his official Facebook page, moments after Chanderpaul reached the milestone. (Adapted from ICC)

To 500 Wickets

I would love to get at least 600 or more for Guyana, before I finish playing. But God knows the best.”

The soft-spoken Berbician, who has a level two coaching certificate, said he was aiming to graduate with a level three certificate and start his coaching career after his retirement.

“Basically, I already finished level two in coaching. Before I finish playing First-Class cricket, I would want to finish my level three, so it will be an easy transition to get into coaching after cricket,” Permaul said.

Permaul made his debut for Guyana in First-Class cricket in January 2007 in St George’s, Grenada, the country where Guyana Harpy Eagles will play the second round of the West Indies championships. To date, Permaul has featured in 16 seasons of FirstClass cricket for Guyana.

Permaul’s most fruitful season for Guyana came in 2014/15, when he claimed 67 wickets in 10 matches. Permaul has played nine Tests, seven One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one T20 International (T20I) for the West Indies.