Warwickshire land Chanderpaul

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Warwickshire will become Shivnarine Chanderpaul's third English employers after he completes Test duties in the West Indies

Warwickshire have pulled off a significant coup with the signing of West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the last two months of the season.

The left-hander, 36, is expected to arrive in around three weeks and should therefore be available for the final six LV= County Championship games.

He has scored 9,126 runs at an average of 49.06 in 130 Tests, in addition to 8,778 at 41.60 in 268 one-day internationals during an international career stretching back to 1994.

“It is universally acknowledged that Shiv is a class act and has proved his worth time after time at the highest level,” said Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles.

“Not only does he possess the qualities and talents that we are looking for in abundance, but he also comes with a reputation as a hard-working cricketer, a great character and a professional with a tremendous work ethic.

“We are delighted that he has agreed to join us for the vitally important final stages of our season.”

Chanderpaul, who has experience of county cricket from spells with Durham and Lancashire, is currently on Test duty in the West Indies against India. The final Test is set to finish on July 10.

He takes over overseas duties from Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf (himself a replacement for Younus Khan), who averaged a disappointing 32 in his six championship matches at the start of the season.

Warwickshire currently sit third in Division One, although they will move to within 37 points of leaders Durham - with a game in hand - when they wrap up a near-certain victory over Somerset tomorrow.