Chanderpaul scores 50th first class century as Durham thrive

LONDON, England, CMC – Shivnarine Chanderpaul slammed his second century in three matches for Durham and the 50th hundred of his first class career, as he continued to revel in heavy run-scoring form away from West Indies duty.

The prolific left-hander, one of the West Indies players involved in the ongoing contracts squabble, hammered an unbeaten 109 as the hosts raised a massive 648 for five declared against Nottinghamshire in their County Division One match at Chester-le-Street. At the close of the second day on Tuesday, Notts were 65 for two in reply, still a mammoth 583 runs behind. Chanderpaul batted patiently to reach three figures, striking eight fours in an innings that required 222 balls and spanned four hours and 14 minutes.

The former West Indies captain shared a 203-run stand for the fourth wicket with South African Dale Benkenstein who stroked 105, to be one of four century-makers as Durham piled up their largest-ever total in club history.

Michael Di Venuto failed to add to his overnight 219 while opener Kyle Coetzer got 107 on Wednesday, in an opening stand of 314 with Di Venuto.
Durham now need just two points to ensure they retain the Division One County title.