Champions Trophy: Rampaul plans successful return to Windies squad

Cardiff - Pacer Ravi Rampaul says he plans to make an impact when he returns to the West Indies team for the Champions Trophy beginning next week.

The 28-year-old bowler last played for the West Indies in December when the team was in Bangladesh before he was sidelined by an injury.

Rampaul, who was impressive for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the just ended Indian Premier League, says he is in top form for the tournament.

“I have not played for the West Indies for a couple of months now, so I want to come back and get the ball rolling and get some wickets and some good performances,” said Rampaul Thursday.

“I’m ready to go. I’m feeling a lot fitter and stronger. I managed to lose some weight, so I’m ready and confident.”

Rampaul was speaking as the West Indies continued their preparations for the Champions Trophy.

The unit assembled in Cardiff earlier this week and have been training at the Swalec Stadium.

“My aim is to help the team win this Champions Trophy,” said Rampaul.

“We did a great job when we won the World Twenty20 last year in Sri Lanka and the spirit of victory and the awesome feeling of winning is still alive in the squad.”

The Caribbean team play their first warm-up match tomorrow at the Swalec Stadium.

They then travel to Birmingham for the second warm-up against Sri Lanka next Tuesday at Edgbaston.

“I played a few times in England before and the ball does swing around and seam around,” said Rampaul.

“Once you stick to the basics and get the ball in the right areas, it will do something, so the key to bowling here is to be consistent and the ball will do the work for you. You don’t have to try too many things, the ball will do something for you – just get it in the right areas.”

The Windies have been drawn in Group B alongside India, Pakistan and South Africa.

They open against Pakistan on Friday, June 7, at the Oval in London and return to the famous venue on Tuesday, June 11 to face India.