Chanderpaul axed from Windies squad

Veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul’s illustrious 21-year career appeared all but over after he was dumped from the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Australia, starting next month.

West Indies chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd said on Sunday that the 40-year-old had suffered a “rapid” decline in form and as a result they had decided to look to the future. This decision, Lloyd said, had been communicated to Chanderpaul, reports CMC.

“Over a period of time, we have noticed a decline in his form and for the last 11 innings he has been averaging 16. The time had come <g data-gr-id="20">to look</g> towards the younger players and that’s why he has been omitted. His decline in form has been quite rapid,” Lloyd explained.

“I just don’t think it is the last couple of games (that he has failed). This is going way back. I watched the games against India, South Africa and he hasn’t done as well as we expected.” Lloyd continued: “I don’t think there was any bitterness. He’d realised the time has come. At 40, it’s obvious you’re not going to be in the same shape as you were 20 years ago. And if you’ve seen him play, you’d notice there was a decline, there’s no doubt about that.