LONDON, CMC – Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo will have the chance to break into the top 20 of the International Cricket Council’s bowling rankings, if he suits up for the opening Test against the Black Caps in Wellington starting Friday.
In the latest rankings released yesterday, the 32-year-old Guyanese rose two places to 21st, to lie just outside of the top 20 in the world.
Bishoo is coming off a productive tour of Zimbabwe where he grabbed 13 wickets in the two-Test rubber, to emerge as Man-of-the-Series.
He was particularly impressive in the opening Test when he claimed a nine-wicket match haul as West Indies won by an innings inside four days.
There is no guarantee, however, that Bishoo will find a spot in the starting XI as West Indies have several pace options at their disposal in conditions which will be favourable to seam.
Speedster Shannon Gabriel is the highest ranked Windies bowler at 20th and will also have the opportunity to improve his ranking, as he is expected to spearhead the attack.
Kemar Roach, who returned to the Test arena against England last summer, has risen one place to 23rd while captain Jason Holder has dropped one spot to 32nd, in the rankings led by England seamer Jimmy Anderson.
Meanwhile, Windies opener Kraigg Brathwaite is now 19th after jumping one place in the latest rankings while batsman Shai Hope has risen two places to 23rd.
Both batsmen are in great form and like Bishoo, could force their way further up the rankings with strong performances at the Basin Reserve.
Roston Chase remains 37th while the estranged Darren Bravo is up one place to 38th despite having not played for West Indies in over a year.
