West Indies v Australia, 2nd Test, Antigua

Ramdin searches for more runs

Cricinfo staff

May 29, 2008

	Denesh Ramdin took some sharp catches in the first Test at Sabina Park © Getty Images

Denesh Ramdin says having the former West Indies wicketkeeper David Williams in the team's coaching group has been a major boost to his glovework, but he knows he must improve his batting to help the side challenge Australia in the second Test. Ramdin's second-innings 36 sent some worries through the Australia camp in Kingston but he was disappointed to be run out when West Indies were gaining ground, after he did not score in the first innings.

"My batting has been there or thereabouts," Ramdin said. "I need to spend a couple of overs getting a start. I didn't do well in the first innings but in the second innings I started off a bit shaky then I got in and everything looked smooth but then there was a little bit of complacency and I got run out."

Ramdin has not made a Test half-century since Lord's last year but his work behind the stumps is definitely improving. Brad Hodge discovered that at Sabina Park, when he was caught behind in both innings, on each occasion to an excellent diving catch from Ramdin.

Ramdin said he had put in a lot of training with Williams, the side's assistant coach, prior to the first Test and the efforts were paying off. "I did a lot of work with David at the preparatory camp in Antigua," Ramdin said. "I did a lot of diving, a lot of lateral movement and took a lot of catches from a lot of edges. He had me working really hard on my keeping so it is for my batting to come along now and going into the second Test I need to spend time at the crease."

West Indies should regain Jerome Taylor, the fast bowler, who missed the first Test with a back injury, while the captain Chris Gayle, who had a groin problem, could also return and is about 90% fit, according to the coach John Dyson. Ramdin said it would be a huge bonus if both men could play in Antigua.

"Those two guys are world-class players," Ramdin said. "Chris is important at the top of the order to give us a start and Jerome is crucial with the new ball to get early breakthroughs, they are match-winning players."

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