Chanderpaul climbs to number three

DUBAI–Veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul has risen one place to third in the latest ICC Test batting rankings released late Thursday. The 39-year-old, who has topped the rankings in the past, has capitalised on South Africa’s Hashim Amla’s fall to fourth, following the just concluded three-Test series against Australia. Chanderpaul is the only West Indies player in the top 20, with exciting left-hander Darren Bravo lying 23rd and opener Chris Gayle at 29th.

The Guyanese scored his 29th Test century last December on the tour of New Zealand in what his 153rd Test. He has scored 11 219 runs at an average of nearly 52. There is no change at the top of the rankings, however, as South Africa’s AB de Villiers remains number one with Sri Lankan stroke-maker Kumar Sangakarra in second spot. In the bowling rankings, fast bowler Kemar Roach is the highest placed West Indies player at 15th, despite not having played a Test in a year. Off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who was last December suspended by the ICC from bowling because of an illegal bowling action, lies 18th. South African speedster Dale Steyn remains number one. (CMC)