Chanderpaul hits timely century

West Indies 534-7 & 283-5dec Sri Lanka A 346 Match drawn

Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit an unbeaten century in West Indies' drawn game against Sri Lanka A here yesterday to issue a timely reminder to England bowlers that he will still be a force to be reckoned with when the first of their four Tests starts at Lord's on Thursday.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit an unbeaten century in West Indies' drawn game against Sri Lanka A here yesterday to issue a timely reminder to England bowlers that he will still be a force to be reckoned with when the first of their four Tests starts at Lord's on Thursday.

The match was called off soon after the previously out-of-form Guyanese left-hander reached his hundred with a single off the bowling of Mohamed Suraj.

West Indies were then 285 for 5 in their second innings, leading by 373 runs after bowling Sri Lanka A out for 346 in their first innings before lunch on the third day.

Chanderpaul came to the wicket after West Indies, having dismissed Sri Lanka A for 346, were tottering at 45 for 2 just before lunch on the third morning, having lost their openers, Ramnaresh Sarwan (for three) and Devon Smith (for 15).

The 29-year-old started sedately but flourished as the innings progressed to reach his first century of the tour in 145 balls hitting 13 fours.

First he put on 130 with Sylvester Joseph (68) for the fourth wicket, before later sharing in an unbroken partnership of 75 with Omari Banks (25 not out) for the sixth wicket.

The fifth wicket to fall was that of Dwayne Bravo, who was caught and bowled by spinner Bathiya Perera for seven when the score was 208.

Chanderpaul showed his class against both pace and spin - and was severe on the wrist-spinner Perera and the off-spinner Mohamed.