BIRMINGHAM, June 7: West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the world’s top-ranked batsman, is doubtful for the third and final Test against England after undergoing a scan on a side injury on Thursday.

No play was possible on Thursday’s opening day because of heavy rain which may give the Guyanese left-hander time to recover. England have retained the Wisden Trophy after winning both the first Tests.

Chanderpaul scored 87 not out and 91 in the first Test at Lord’s and is the key player in a fragile batting unit. He is the second highest Test run scorer behind Brian Lara for the West Indies with 10,290 runs.

“Shiv went to hospital for a scan,” a West Indies team spokesman said. “A day off gives him a chance to see how he goes.”

West Indies captain Darren Sammy hinted on Wednesday that one of the two reserve batsmen, Assad Fudadin or Narsingh Deonarine, could come in if Chanderpaul’s injury failed to heal.—Reuters