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Consistent Chanders Honoured (CCH)

Mar 20, 2009 Features / Columnists

The Parrot will stick to the current topic of cricket seeing that two big matches are on here over the next few days, starting with today. There is another popular “C” topic attracting much attention; CLICO, but I’ll leave that for another squawk. I want to be with the flow, like the runs flowing from Sarwan’s bat, and enjoy the games. Everybody I know is heading to the Stadium; the games sold out in reverse; the last day first; Sunday sold out long before today. This is good, maybe some remember that today is a working day; how much work will be done is another issue. I know England has a lot of work to do if they want to cool the currently hot Windies.
In my opinion, the hype created is welcomed but unexpected given the West Indies dismal performances over the last decade or more. Their victory in the recently concluded Test segment of this tour has served to reinvigorate much needed interest in a sport that is not only traditional, but an integral part of the Region’s culture. The interest diminished following the West Indies’ lacklustre performances over the years, to the point where stands are now empty for regional matches. Years ago, the Shell Shield competition was on par with Test matches. Those were the days when cricket was a part of life.
In the local matches, no one wanted to miss out on seeing stars like Lloyd, Kanhai, Kallicharran, Fredericks, Croft, Gibbs, Baichan, Bacchus, Mohamed, Lyght, Lambert, Pydanna, Harper, Hooper and so many others locally and regionally. The stands were filled for these games. Remember when a Chopper was used to dry the Bourda ground in 1983, the year when Guyana won the competition? Remember when a Chopper brought Lloyd to the ground when Guyana needed a solid batsman at the crease? Remember the big partnership between Lloyd and Kallicharran? Remember the duel between Garner and Dhaniram?
Those were the days. The West Indies’ poor performance since the departure of Sir Viv as captain is responsible for the lack of interest in the regional competitions. This interest was revived with the advent of the Stanford 20/20 tournament. Now that he will be absent for some time, at least from the competition, one can only hope that the current interest being shown, as evident in the overwhelming response in ticket sales, will be infectious in an effort to keep the sport alive here. The exploits of Sars and Chanders serve as motivation to aspiring cricketers. This will help to expand the talent base, which has shrunk almost proportionately with poor performance.
Finding four genuine fast bowlers has been a challenge over the last decade. A permanent opening pair in the like of Greenidge/Haynes has also been an elusive dream over the same period of time. Players’ attitudes also contributed to the decline. Chanders stood out. His dedication and hard work have been invaluable to an inconsistent team. The awards he won internationally are testimony. The honour he received recently is fitting; the CCH – Consistent Chanders Honoured.
The capacity filled stadium expected today and Sunday is testimony of the hunger for victory that fans crave. The crowds hopefully would not be disappointed. Cricket seems to have won; for now. Go Windies! Go Tiger! Go Sars! Go get tickets! Ah; too late. Got mine. Squawk! Squawk!

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