Barath topscores in drawn match
Barath topscores in drawn match
by Peter English, Cricinfo
Barath’s 74 should seal his test place.Sarwan and Chanderpaul eased the West Indies to safety with a 131- run partnership.
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.
Peter English is the Australasia editor of Cricinfo
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