West Indians survive through Sarwan, Chanderpaul

West Indians 271 and 6 for 357 (Barath 74, Chanderpaul 69, Sarwan 66, Dowlin 53) drew with Queensland 7 for 617 dec
Scorecard

The West Indians ended a difficult tour game on a high when they fought to secure a draw with a committed batting display against Queensland. After strong half-centuries to Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the tourists can go into Thursday's first Test with some more confidence in their order after they finished the match at 6 for 357.

It was a much better return than the first three days, which began with them being bowled out for 271 on the opening afternoon before Queensland roared in reply with 7 for 617 declared. The West Indians still have some problems to sort out in their attack, but their two main batsmen have found some important touch ahead of the three-Test series.

With Chris Gayle a major doubt due to his mother's illness in Jamaica, Sarwan and Chanderpaul are likely to have more responsibility and it was the experienced pair who guided the side for much of the day during a 131-run stand. Sarwan stayed off the field on Friday due to a rash and he had a couple of breaks for treatment on his left leg, but there were few problems with his batting until after reaching his half-century. A fine cover drive off Nathan Rimmington showed his confidence, but he was reprieved on 58 by Nick Kruger in the gully and given out lbw on 66 to Alastair McDermott in the last over before tea.

At the other end Chanderpaul was as determined as usual, remaining unflustered on another warm day in Brisbane. He peaked with a six over square leg and an off-drive for four in the same over from the legspinner Daniel Doran, but was mostly happy to work the ball around. It was just what the West Indians needed and they eventually erased the 346-run deficit after the first innings.

However, the situation became nervy when Chanderpaul was caught at slip pushing at the offspinner Chris Simpson for 69. The scenario could have been even worse if Dan Doran had taken a tough chance off Brendan Nash earlier in the over, but Nash (36) and Denesh Ramdin (20) ensured there were no further losses and the game was called off an hour early.

In the first session the tourists gave up the gains of their strong finish to the third afternoon. The opener Adrian Barath, who resumed on 65, began with two crisp cover drives off Nathan Feldman before he and Narsingh Deonarine departed in four balls.

Deonarine (14) was caught at first slip by Simpson off Feldman and Rimmington collected the first of his two victims when he brushed Barath's edge. Barath wasn't pleased with the decision and was reluctant to leave, but he could walk off satisfied with a 74 that should seal his Test place.

With time running out before the game at the Gabba, the West Indians are still waiting to learn about Gayle's availability. At least the tourists know that both their remaining openers are in some touch following Travis Dowlin's 53 on Friday afternoon.

Dwayne Bravo left a dint on the Stuart Law Stand roof with a pulled six from a Doran short ball, but he was unable to play with such ease against Rimmington. Bravo was 16 when he was caught in front and will look for more work in the nets over the next four days.