LONDON, England, CMC – Batting standout Ramnaresh Sarwan is anxious to transfer the pivotal form he showed in the recent home series against England to help West Indies retain the Wisden trophy in the upcoming Test series.
The 28-year-old right-hander was the star performer for the Windies in capturing the coveted trophy during the Digicel Series in the Caribbean in February and March and he wants to keep the momentum for the two-Test series against the English starting next week.
“I’m looking forward this tour in a big way. We played really well in the Caribbean and have a good chance here. The conditions are very different to those at home, and it will be important that players who have played here before, like myself, are able to lead the team and ensure that we keep the trophy,” Sarwan said.
In the series at home in the Caribbean, Sarwan was named Player-of-the-Series for his outstanding batting.
He considers his success in the Caribbean history and views the upcoming series as a new hurdle to climb.
“It is important that I start from scratch. I don’t want to be too far ahead of myself. I just want to concentrate on what is happening now and try to do well for the West Indies,” Sarwan said.
He made 107 in Jamaica, 94 and 106 in Antigua and a career-best 291 in Barbados and hopes he can be a part of an all-round display that can topple the English again.
“I am just looking to do whatever is required… a good catch, a run out, a good innings and even a wicket if I am given the ball. That is the overall aim of the team, to make a contribution.”
With temperatures and pitch conditions considerably different from those in the Caribbean, West Indies are expected to face a bigger challenge in the series starting next week but Sarwan believes the Windies, with the correct mental approach, can handle the assignment.
“This will be a different challenge, everyone is aware, but we are mentally ready for the challenge. We need to continue to play as a team. We did a great job at home and that will be crucial to support each other and work for each other,” Sarwan said.
The West Indies start their four-day warm-up match against the England A team (England Lions) today at the County Ground, Derby.
The first Test starts next Wednesday at Lord’s and the second Test will be at Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street, starting May 14.
