Chanderpaul a celebrity in his native Guyana

After scoring his third century in Test cricket and his second against India, Shivnarine Chanderpaul would be an unlikely person to raise an objection if the West Indies were to play India much more often.

"I was determined to do well this time. I have had too many 50s and 60s. But I wanted to go on once I was set. Carl (Hooper) was playing superbly at the other end. That boosted my confidence. And it is my home-ground; I had support behind me," said Chanderpaul.

Among the West Indians of Indian descent in Guyana, he is a celebrity. Those who could not get the tickets to enter the ground temporarily stayed in tents outside the Bourda Oval. There, after the third day's play, Chanderpaul was almost mobbed. He was made to dance to the tune of "Soldier Soldier," have the compulsory glass of beer and chat with everyone present. His wife, father and friends from the United States were also present.

"This is an important hundred for me at a crucial juncture of my international career. I was not getting big scores for so many days. Once you get one, it paves the way for others. Now I have to continue this good work," he said.

The fact that his best effort in Tests came in front of his own crowd, of course, was the most satisfying aspect of his knock for the left-hander.