To put it another, simpler way, he averaged 111.6 in Tests in 2007 and, so far, boasts the equally staggering tally of 110.37 this year. That's not great, that's Bradmanesque.

What makes it all the more remarkable is that he's inarguably the most studied player in the line-up when opposing teams draw up their battle plans, yet they still can't dislodge him or even find a tactic that comes close to working.

His initial crab-like stance looks dreadful but by the time the ball is bowled, while still reasonably square to the bowler, he's in near perfect position for his left-handed game.

Then comes into play the unerring eye and Job-like patience, which must drive opposing captain's absolutely bonkers.

He doesn't kill you with boundaries, although he has all the shots, but rather grinds you down run by run by run.

There's nothing pretty about Chanderpaul at the crease (and they said the same thing about 'The Don') but he's ruthlessly effective at doing what batsmen are supposed to do - make runs.

Interestingly, Shiv's true batting brilliance has emerged with the departure of his long-time teammate and skipper Brian Lara, whose shadow he was in from his Test debut in 1994. Remember, he was at the other end when the Prince made his 375 against England in Antigua that same series.

Maybe he bristled or couldn't bat the way he wanted under Lara's reign or maybe he didn't like playing second fiddle. Whatever, it's a different Shiv now.

Still, the link between the two can't be completely broken because, like the legendary Trinidadian, we may be witnessing another flawed genius.

Lara's heroics rarely translated into victories and nor have the other lefthanders' feats.

Shackle

In the most individualistic of team sports, the apparent selfishness which makes Shiv great can also be interpreted as a shackle on the side.

In a flimsy batting line-up, Shiv should be entering the fray no lower than four but he prefers to stay at five. Coach John Dyson doesn't want to fix something that ain't broken and the statistics (30.86 at four, 55.44 at five) show he's more fruitful at the lower position, but can you really say he should be coming in after a novice like Xavier Marshall? And shouldn't the team's best and most prolific bat see more of the ball and not less?

When he arrives at the crease he usually has one recognised batsman, an allrounder, the keeper and the bowlers to bat with and he's no great farmer of the strike.

'Not outs' boost the average too and Shiv has been undefeated in (up to yesterday morning) seven of his 15 innings this year. That's almost half his knocks!

Perhaps it doesn't matter where he bats because the West Indies are still some way away from being consistent winners on the Test stage but, call me old-fashioned, I want my best bat stamping his authority on the game from early, not when the die has usually already been cast.

Later.

Feedback: tym.glaser@gleanerjm.com