Thaindian News

Bridgetown (Barbados), June 29 (IANS) West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul said Tuesday that the onus is now on the batsmen to fire on an “eased out” Kensington Oval pitch against India in the ongoing Test series.

After bowling out the Indians for a paltry 201 in the first innings, West Indies were 30 for three at stumps after the first day’s play.

Rampaul, who wrecked the Indian top-order, admitted the West Indies lost the advantage of getting the visitors out cheaply by losing the early wickets. The fast bowler, however, hoped that the batsmen will fare better on day two.

“I am not angry at the batsmen, I am sure they don’t go there to get out,” he said. “I give them confidence and keep the self-belief up as any time one of them can go out there and get a hundred. I continue to believe in them and give my support. We would like to get a lead. We will probably look for 300 and take it from there,” said Rampaul.

On the nature of pitch, he said: “After lunch today, the wicket played really good for batting. As days go along it will become better for batting. Losing three wickets in 45 minutes did set us back but now it’s up to the batsmen to come out tomorrow and start fresh. The sun will dry out the wicket and it will become better. Hopefully, we shall stick in there and put up a better performance.”

Rampaul exploited the early morning conditions while his new ball partner Fidel Edwards generated raw pace towards the end to clean up the tail.

“Fidel is faster and more aggressive. I just try to keep it tight and let him do the attacking. I occasionally use short balls. I try to set up the batsmen if I see them come on the front foot. We know that Indian batsmen don’t like short balls; so maybe I bowl them a bit more often,” said Rampaul.