Chanderpaul, Hetemyer looking to be among the runs against Bangladesh

West Indies U19 openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shimron Hetemyer yesterday said that their main goals are to perform well and to score heavily for the West Indies during the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

The two players were selected by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) selection panel to play in the seven-match day/night series against Bangladesh which commences October 5.

All the matches will be played in Guyana and apart from Chanderpaul and Hetemyer, the West Indies side will also include left-arm spinner Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Shimron Hetemyer
Shimron Hetemyer

Moti-Kanhai is currently encamped with other spinners from across the Caribbean on a three-week spin clinic facilitated by Pakistan spin legend, Saqlain Mushtaq.

The left-handed Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of West Indies batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul told this newspaper that he was “excited and looking forward to the tournament.”

According to the young Chanderpaul, his primary focus heading into the series is to score some runs which will place him in contention to be selected for next year’s U19 World Cup to be held in the Caribbean.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul said that his grandfather, Khemraj Chanderpaul and father Shivnarine, have been driving forces behind his success adding that his grandfather helps him a lot in practice.

Since his selection to the team, he has been in contact with his father on Skype on Thursday who congratulated him on his call up and encouraged him to put his best foot forward.

According to young Chanderpaul, his overall aim is to represent the West Indies at the highest levels.

Hailing from the ancient county of Berbice, Hetemyer said he was excited.

“It feels good,” he said of his selection adding that although he did not think he performed well enough recently he was still glad of the opportunity.

An aggressive opening batsman, Hetemyer, who is also a competent football player, said that heading into the series his main goal is “to score the most runs for the West Indies.”

He is of the opinion that given the chance to represent the Caribbean will allow him to improve his game.

Hetemyer thanked his family and his club the Young Warriors, along with other cricketers who showered him with their blessings and support. He also expressed special gratitude towards former national batsman Gajanand Singh, who he said gave him valuable advice and pointers.

West Indies Under-19 Squad: Fabian Allen (Jamaica), Jofra Archer (Barbados), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (Guyana), Bryan Charles (Trinidad & Tobago), Tristan Coleman (Jamaica), Taryck Gabriel (Windward Islands, St Lucia), Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana),  Jerome Jones (Barbados),  Ray Jordan (Windward Islands, St Vincent), Alzarri Joseph (Leeward Islands, Antigua), Brandon King (Jamaica), Ramaal Lewis (Jamaica), Leroy Lug (Jamaica), Preston McSween (Windward Islands, Grenada), Marquino Mindley (Jamaica), Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai (Guyana) and Jeremy Solozano (Trinidad & Tobago)