-says vice-captain Denish Ramdin
The West Indies players had their first training session on the tour of Australia yesterday at the Allan Border Ground in Brisbane and Vice Captain Denesh Ramdin said everyone was pleased with the day in the field.
The team arrived at the picturesque oval early in the morning and was greeted by a small group of fans on a scorching hot day.
Ramdin, who is also wicket-keeper, said the unit was in good spirits and everyone was focused on the coming weeks and the challenge of beating Australia in the three Test matches.
“We had a great session. All the guys enjoyed it. (This) was a really good start to our preparation for the Test Series. It was a very hot day but we got in a lot of work and we are looking forward to some more intense work,” said Ramdin. “The team has come together well and we all have a common purpose. The coaching staff and the captain have spoken about working together as a unit and supporting each and that is what we are aiming to do.”
He added: “We believe we can do very well against Australia. They will play hard cricket but we can be successful if we continue to work hard. We have some world-class players and if they perform the way they should we will put up a good fight.”
The 24-year-old said he is enjoying the role as Vice Captain. He has been in the job for 11 months now and in that period his game has blossomed. He made his Test-best score of 166 against England in Barbados earlier this year. In 36 Tests he has completed 105 dismissals (103 catches and two stumpings). Yesterday he spent over half-hour in the nets hitting almost everything with the middle of the bat and then he put on the gloves to do work with coach David Williams.
“It’s a huge responsibility to be Vice Captain at the international level but it is something I am really enjoying and I think I have been coping well so far. I get the full support of my team-mates and everyone in the team’s support staff,” Ramdin noted.
“I have been working hard on my personal game and will be looking to improve in all areas.”
The Windies will have another training session this afternoon. The opening four-day tour match will be against Queensland at the Allan Border Ground from November 18-21. The first Test will be at the Gabba on November 26-30; the second Test will be at the Adelaide Oval on December 4-8; and the third Test at the WACA Ground in Perth on December 16-20.