PORT ELIZABETH, Dec 27: Shivnarine Chanderpaul praised new captain Chris Gayle after the West Indies took control on the second day of the first Test at St George’s Park on Thursday.

South Africa crashed to 122 for five at close of play in reply to a West Indian total of 408 in which Chanderpaul made a patient century.

Each wicket was greeted by joyous celebrations by the tourists and Chanderpaul admitted it had been “a long time” since the West Indies had such a good day in Test cricket.

Former captain Chanderpaul said the spirit in the team was good.

“It’s the sort of guy Chris is. He’s nice and relaxed and just chirping people up. Helping the young players and being the person he is, it’s good for the team,” said Chanderpaul.

Chanderpaul made 104 for the West Indies before he was ninth man out. It was the 33-year-old’s 17th Test century and his fourth against South Africa.

He attributed his run of success to hard work and a determination to capitalise on good starts.

“I’ve been thinking about it the past couple of years. If you get an opportunity you want to carry on and get big scores.”—AFP