Chanderpaul keen on Durham return

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has found life in the north east to his liking

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul is hoping to return to Durham for a third successive summer in 2009.

The world’s number one batsman, like his team-mates fearing a another washout on the final day of the top-of-the-table clash against Nottinghamshire at Riverside, is hoping his third stint at Durham will be his longest.

Chanderpaul has not done his famed run-making justice so far in either of his six-week stays - having made only 91 from five innings this time round.

His enthusiasm is undiminished, though, and the West Indies left-hander is already setting his sights on a more substantial return next year.

“We [West Indies] only have a tour at the beginning and one later on next year, so I hope I can be here for a bit longer - longer than a month and a bit,” he said.

Durham’s 2008 title bid will benefit from Chanderpaul’s assistance in only one more match - against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl - before he is scheduled to join the Windies’ Champions Trophy preparations.