BRISBANE, Australia (CMC):Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sar-wan gave firm proof yesterday that they hold the key to West Indies' survival in their forth-coming Test series against Australia in Chris Gayle's absence.

Chanderpaul hit 69, and Sarwan supported with 66 to earn West Indies a draw in their four-day, first-class match against Queensland - their only tune-up prior to the first Test.

Chanderpaul and Sarwan plundered 131 for the sixth wicket, as West Indies, trailing by 346 on first innings, reached 357 for six in their second innings when the two sides decided it was pointless to continue about an hour before the scheduled close at Allan Border Field.

Gayle, the West Indies captain, is now almost certain to be a non-starter for the opening Test against Ricky Ponting's Baggy Greens on Thursday at the Gabba, following his mother's hospitalisation in Kingston and his return home to comfort her.

It means that Chanderpaul and Sarwan are the two most decorated West Indies batsmen remaining with the squad Down Under, and a huge burden of responsibility has fallen on their shoulders.

The visitors appeared to be heading for trouble at the hands of an almost third-string Queensland side, when they wobbled to 165 for four in the final hour before lunch.

But Chanderpaul and Sarwan put the side on their shoulders - in much the same way that they do for their native Guyana - and eased the growing threat with circumspect batting.

eight fours from 120 balls

Sarwan had spent all of Friday off the field with a rash that required him to be lathered in an ointment, and showed little effects when he replaced Dwayne Bravo just before lunch.

He struck eight fours from 120 balls in 2³/4 hours, including a typically languid cover drive off Nathan Rimmington.

But he was dropped at gully on 58 before he was dubiously adjudged lbw to Alister McDermott, the 18-year-old son of former Aussie tyro Craig McDermott, about half-hour before tea.

Chanderpaul had limped along in his typically unflustered manner, and smote eight fours and one six from 161 balls in a little under four hours.

He smote leg-spinner Daniel Doran for his only maximum and one of his boundaries in the same over, but when he was caught at slip off Chris Simpson, West Indies endured a nervous finish to the day.

Nash had offered Simpson a return catch in the same over he dismissed Chanderpaul, but he remained unflappable for the remainder of the day to finish not out on 36, and Denesh Ramdin provided steady support with 20 not out to navigate the rough waters.

West Indies 1st Innings 271

Queensland1st Innings

617 for seven declared

West Indies 2nd Innings

(overnight 133 for one)