The victory target (503) seems like a long shot, so Chris Gayle seems willing to settle for a draw in the third Test against England which ends today.

"My hope is that West Indies does not collapse (today)," Gayle, the captain of the West Indies, which closed on 143 for three, told reporters.

"This is my major worry, so we have to go out there and play some good, positive cricket. Everything is in England's favour at this point in time, but we have our two most experienced batsmen at the crease.

"The first session will be very important and so we should know where we stand by the end of it, especially if (Sarwan and Chanderpaul) are still at the crease."

Unbroken partnership

Sarwan and Chanderpaul shared an unbroken 47-run partnership in the last hour to put the brakes on England's progress, and will carry the burden of saving West Indies from defeat.

Five years ago, the two hit hundreds when West Indies successfully chased a World record 418 against Australia to win a Test.

"I think the pitch is still playing pretty well still," Gayle said. "There is some uneven bounce and Graeme Swann has some 'rough' with which to work. At the same time, we have good, quality players to counter-attack the England bowlers.

"I am confident that we can save the match. No one said it was going to be easy, but we have the self-belief that we can go out there and get the job done."