BRISBANE, Australia,  CMC – Stand-in captain Denesh Ramdin has taken heart from West Indies’ batting on the final day of their drawn four-day match against Queensland Bulls and says it is a boon to the Caribbean side heading into next week’s first Test against Australia at the Gabba.

Ramdin, deputising for regular captain Chris Gayle who was forced to return home because of a family emergency, was speaking after the Windies put up a strong batting performance to stave off defeat in the first class fixture after entering the last day on Saturday in danger of defeat.

West Indies batted the entire final day to score 357 for six with four batsmen scoring half-centuries at the Allan Border Field.

“Most of the batters got a long hit-out in the middle and things are coming along. We just need to continue that form and all the guys have to keep the focus for the first Test match,” said the 24-year-old Ramdin.

“We were very happy with the opening partnership between Adrian Barath and Travis Dowlin. They are both new to the game in Australia and they played really well. Sarwan and Chanderpaul did what they are used to, batting well and batting solidly. They had a long partnership so we have confidence going into the first Test.”

Barath scored an attractive 74 while Dowlin stroked 53 to give the Windies a strong start in their bid to save the match, after Queensland piled up 617 for seven declared in their first innings.

Chanderpaul hit 69 and Sarwan scored 66, his second half-century of the game following his first innings 73 in the Windies total of 271.

The Windies bowlers were forced to toil for the better part of two days on a flat wicket as three Queensland batsmen carved out maiden first class centuries but Ramdin said they were looking to the Gabba pitch for more assistance for their fast bowlers.

“The bowlers all had to work hard but the pitch was very flat and I’m sure they will get a lot more help at the Gabba, so the work-out here against Queensland would have served them well,” the wicketkeeper/batsman explained.

“We just need to continue the form and stay focused ahead of the Test Series. We are planning daily and looking at ways to improve and get better as we face the challenge.”

Jerome Taylor, the attack’s spearhead, missed the match with a stiff body but Ramdin said he would be ready for the first Test which starts on Thursday.

“Jerome’s recovery has been good. He has been steaming in in the nets and we might try a few balls in the middle in the build-up to the Test,” Ramdin said.

“He is our key fast bowler as well as a key player in the lower order so we are quite happy he is available.”

The match against Queensland was the only warm-up fixture ahead of the first Test with the Windies playing additional Tests in Adelaide (December 4-8) and Perth (December 16-20).