Chanderpaul double century in tour match

A double century from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and some less than convincing batting left New Zealand A 382 runs behind the West Indians with 6 first innings wickets standing at the end of the second of three days at Owen Delany Park, Taupo.

Chanderpaul's innings was an essay in judgment and concentration. 112 not out overnight, he rebuilt his innings from scratch on an overcast morning. If the bowling was accurate, as it was more often than yesterday, he was unconcerned. The bad ball would be awaited and dispatched. He gave one chance, to Sinclair at point off Drum when he was 138

As might be expected of a short man, he is strong square of the wicket on both sides, but also played some elegant and powerful front foot drives. He passed 200 in mid afternoon with an untypically streaky boundary through a vacant third man. In all he hit 34 fours. There was also a six, swept off leg spinner Walker over mid wicket. He batted for 560 minutes and faced 391 deliveries.

Chanderpaul missed the test series against Australia earlier this year through injury. The return of his skill, temperament and tenacity will be valuable in a batting line up that was almost totally dependent on Lara even in achieving a drawn series.

Ricardo Powell resumed on 68 and continued to play his shots without looking nearly as convincing as on the first day. A vulnerability to the swinging ball will have been noted. In his first over Chris Drum beat Powell twice and also found the outside edge.

Powell then hit the third six of his innings into the stand at mid wicket, almost hitting a spectator, a noteworthy feat in itself as there were no more than a dozen in the ground at that time. He was out trying to repeat the shot, being caught at mid off by Wiseman for 86 having dominated a partnership of 130 with Chanderpaul.

Acting captain Jimmy Adams came in at six in the order. He batted in a similar manner to Chanderpaul without the same freedom to punish the loose delivery. His 44 took 208 minutes before Wiseman had him caught at slip by Stead, who thus repented for dropping Adams off Wiseman earlier.

There was a brief glimpse of the attacking proclivities of Ridley Jacobs before the declaration came at tea with the West Indians 450 - 5.

New Zealand A stuck to their task throughout and bowled with more discipline than on day one. Wiseman, with 3 for 107 deservedly had the best figures. There was, though, a lack of spark about the A team who lacked a Mr. T to get them going. They are the quietest international team seen on a field for some time.

They began their innings having spent almost three consecutive days in the field, including the end of the game against England A in Christchurch.

Matthew Bell will remember the first thirty five minutes of the innings only in his nightmares. He ducked the third ball bowled by Courtney Walsh, taking his eye off it as he did so. The ball did not bounce as high as expected, clattering him on the side of his helmet. Already nursing a sore thumb, he stayed at the crease after receiving attention.

In the seventh over he called Stead, his captain, opening partner and rival for a test place, for a sharp single. Stead was well short as Walsh followed through with a direct hit. Bell collected the bat which he had thrown across the field in frustration only to push Dillon into the hands of Hinds at short leg next over. Next time he comes to Taupo it will be for the fishing.

Vincent was out for a duck in the identical manner and New Zealand A were 6 for 3 wickets. The left-handed Richardson led a counter attack, getting off the mark with a four to third man as he attempted to withdraw his bat from the line of the ball. Dillon and Walsh found the edge on a number of occasions without reward.

This is one of the few West Indian teams since the days of Ramadhin and Valentine to contain as many spinners as quick bowlers. Apparent respite came as early as the fourteenth over with the introduction of off spinner Perry. However, in his fourth over Perry turned one to find Richardson's outside edge and he was caught behind for 17. Sinclair (29) and Styris (11) saw the home team through to the close.

New Zealand coach David Trist spent much of the day in conversation with his fellow selectors. They will have seen little to encourage them on the field of play, but received good news of the fitness of Dion Nash who will be included in the twelve for the first test in Hamilton.

The West Indian fast bowlers certainly bowled with more fire than those of New Zealand A, but the pitch is still true and turning only mildly. The match should be saved by the home team on the final day.