He immediately raised his bat to acknowledge the warm applause as members of the colourful crowd cheered the achievement of one their favourite adopted sons.u00a0The other West Indies batsman to reach the milestone is Brian Lara, who ended his illustrious career with 11,953 runs.

Chanderpaul said it was always a dream to reach 10,000 Test runs and he was truly delighted to have achieved the goal.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

He said: “It felt really, really good to reach this milestone and I am very, very excited. I have been batting well and spending a lot of time at the crease and to reach 10,000 Test runs is something special for me.”

“It was one of the goals I set myself and I believe I have reaped for reward for the hard work I put in over the years. I have worked hard over the years and when I go to bat, I know I have a job to do for the team and the people of the West Indies.

“Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game and this is where you want to perform and give of your best. I will keep striving for more.”

Chanderpaul added: “I have received support from many people over the years and I want to thank everyone for their massive support and their belief in me. I just give thanks for all that I have achieved and the fact that I am still around, fit and strong and I can continue to contribute.

“When I started, I came into a team with many big names and I was able to learn from them and build on what they taught me. Now, part of my role in the team is to help the younger players to do well and try to improve their game and become better cricketers for the team.”

Chanderpaul has been outstanding in the ongoing series. He made 103 not out in the first Digicel Test in Barbados followed by 94 in the second Digicel Test in Trinidad. He also made 68 in the first innings of the ongoing game.

The outstanding 37-year-old made his Test debut as a frail 19-year-old against England at on home soil 18 years ago at the Bourda Oval. He made a determined 62 in his first Test innings and appeared destined for greatness.

In a superb career, he has now made 25 Test hundreds and 58 half-centuries. His highest Test score is 203 not out against South Africa nine years ago at Bourda. u00a0