CHELMSFORD, England, CMC – Narsingh Deonarine said yesterday he was happy with his three-wicket haul, but was more focused on getting much needed runs in the remainder of West Indies’ three-day tour match against Essex.

More known for his run-scoring, Deonarine grabbed three for 32 with his off-spin to help bowl Essex out for 263 on the opening day of the match at County Ground.

“I did not do a lot in the first match at Leicester so I was happy with the way I bowled today. I was not really able to grip the ball at the start so I decided to concentrate on my line and length and bowl a bit flatter,” said Deonarine.

“As time went by I was able to grip the ball better and I liked the way it was coming out of my hand when I bowled the second spell. At one stage I thought they [Essex] were scoring too quickly so it was my aim to try and slow them down and that worked out for me in the end.

From the start of the tour I have been working on my bowling in the nets and that hard work paid off.”

Deonarine was supported by Test seamer Lionel Baker who claimed two for 39 and uncapped pacer Andrew Richardson who finished with two for 51.

At the close, West Indies were struggling on 24 for one and Deonarine said his main aim was to put a half-century under his belt in his turn at the crease.

“I did not get a [big] score in the first match … I only got 15, so I will be looking for a decent score when we bat tomorrow,” said the 25-year old Guyanese who piled up over 1000 runs in the recent WICB Regional first class season. I will be looking for a half century and then move on to bigger things.”

Deonarine was recalled to West Indies colours for the first time in a year-and-a-half and will be looking to play his first Test in four years.