West Indies Cricket Board president Julian Hunte (left) presents the Man-of-the-Series award to West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul on Monday's final day of the third Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados. - photo by Dellmar

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Prolific West Indies batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is targeting another three years in international cricket.

The 33-year-old joined illustrious company by becoming the fourth West Indian batsman to reach 8,000 runs in Test cricket on the fifth and final day of the third Digicel Test against Australia at Kensington Oval on Monday.

"I don't know where I am going to go, but hopefully I can play another three years of international cricket if things go well," Chanderpaul told reporters.

"You have to perform. That is the only way you are going to be up there. If I play another three years of international cricket, I'd be happy."

Chanderpaul made 50 on the final day of the Test, but West Indies, set an imposing 475 to win, lost by 87 runs to give Australia a 2-0 series victory.

The reliable left-hander ended the series with an aggregate of 442 runs to win the Man-of-the-Series award.

Remarkable run of form

In the process, he continued a remarkable run of form over the past year in which he has averaged more than 100 per innings.

"I spend a lot of time in the nets doing a lot of hard work, working on mistakes, working on your strengths," he said. "I try to improve all aspects of my game. It helps sometimes."

West Indies, resuming the final day on 235 for three, carried the fight to Australia before they were dismissed for 387 in the pre-tea session.

While lauding the fighting spirit of the regional team, Chanderpaul expressed concern about the development of some of the players.

"They are learning, but they are learning slowly. When I came in the team, I had a bunch of senior fellows around me, men who played their cricket tough. It was easy for me to learn from them," he said.

"We have a whole heap of young fellows and it is difficult. They are learning, but slowly. At this level, you need to learn fast."