Jamaica, November 21: A 131-run stand between Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul increased the West Indians’ chances of saving the tour match against Queensland as they reached 5 for 300 at tea.
The experienced pair helped cut the deficit to 46 after the hosts’ first-innings of 7 for 617, with Sarwan posting 66 and Chanderpaul collecting an unbeaten 64 on an excellent surface for batting.
Sarwan stayed off the field on the third day 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 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, which was just what the West Indians needed.
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 Chris 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 Chris Gayle’s availability after he went home to be with his sick mother. 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.
—–Agencies