Chanderpaul quits as West Indies captain

LONDON, Apr 12 (Reuters) Shivnarine Chanderpaul has resigned as West Indies captain after just one year in the job, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said yesterday.

The 31-year-old left-hander, who succeeded Brian Lara as skipper, led the side to just one win in 14 tests and two victories in 16 one-day internationals.

''I would like to take this opportunity to tender my resignation as captain with immediate effect,'' Chanderpaul wrote in a letter to the WICB.

''This would give me an opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas of my cricket where I would be able to make a more significant contribution to the team.

''I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantle on to another person. I would fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team.

''I would like to thank all who worked with me during my tenure as captain, and I am looking forward to continuing my hard work for West Indies cricket.'' Chanderpaul has played 94 tests and 183 one-day internationals since making his West Indies debut in 1994.

Vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan is favourite to lead the side in home series against Zimbabwe and India starting later this month.

REUTERS SHR BD0729