Sarwan ready for runs following injury layoff

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan says his long injury layoff has left him with a big appetite for the game.

The classy right-hander stroked an unbeaten century against Canada on Thursday, in only his fourth competitive match for the Windies since last December and said he was looking forward to getting back into full action.

“I am feeling back to full fitness … 100 per cent fit and ready to play in the upcoming World Twenty20 Championship and I know my fitness is where it has to be,” Sarwan said.

“During the layoff I was able to do a lot of work and I’m feeling strong again.”

Sarwan is one of the regional team’s most experienced players, having played 83 Tests and 154 One-Day Internationals.

He aggravated a back injury in January and was only available for the last match of the regional first class season, when he carved out a century against the Windward Islands.

He was deemed not fit enough for Zimbabwe’s one-day tour last month but was chosen in the 15-man squad for the WT20 Championship which starts at month end.

Sarwan said playing in the ongoing Jamaica Cricket Association Festival against Ireland and Canada had been an important preparation phase for the side.

“The two matches on Saturday (today) and Sunday will be great for us. It will give us another chance to fine-tune our preparations before we head off to Guyana,” the 29-year-old said.

“We have been playing well here in Jamaica and we want to continue that good momentum.”

Sarwan blasted an even century from 119 balls with 11 fours against Canada on Thursday but said there was still more work to be done on his batting ahead of the April 30 to May 16 tournament.

“I’m really happy to get a century and more importantly happy to get it in a winning cause for the team,” the former Windies captain noted.

“I played really well but I know I still have improvements to make before we start the ICC World T20 Tournament. I want be more balanced at the crease and work more on shot selection.”