I Am Ready For This Challenge - Denesh Ramdin

I Am Ready For This Challenge - Denesh Ramdin

Denesh Ramdin (left) is aiming to make the most of his latest recall to the West Indian ODI side

©REUTERS / Action Images

West Indies wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin is keen to make the most of his opportunity having been recalled for the limited overs matches against Zimbabwe.

The West Indies play three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches between 22nd February and 3rd March with Ramdin back in the squad in place of Devon Thomas.

Ramdin, 27, has already made 94 ODI appearance since his debut in 2005, and his latest recall comes after missing out on trips to Bangladesh and Australia.

"It’s wonderful to be back in the West Indies One-Day colours and I’m looking to grab this opportunity with both hands," he told WICB Media.

"I have been away from the ODI scene but I have been doing well in Test cricket. I had some good performances last year, so I am looking to transfer that into the One-Day format, starting with these matches against Zimbabwe," he added.

"I am mentally and physically ready for this challenge. My form is 'there' and I am feeling confident with the bat and I have been working twice as hard to make sure I get runs when I’m out in the middle. Behind the stumps I worked overtime to make sure that I was fit and ready when the selectors called on me."

Ramdin sees his role with the bat as a supporting one, allowing the likes of Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell to clear the ropes - not that he is any stranger to big-hitting himself and bet365 make him a 25/1 shot to finish as his side's leading batsman in the series.

"While I was out I did a lot of work on all areas of my game. I think my role with the bat is mainly to hit the ball in the gaps, run really hard between the wickets and accumulate good scores for the team.

"There are other guys in the team, like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, who have the power to clear the boundaries and other guys who can come and hit the ball down at the bottom. So basically, I see myself as someone to keep things ticking and look to bat through the end once I get that chance."

Every ODI series - and to a lesser degree, each match - will now form part of the competing team's build-up to the Champions Trophy, which will be held in England and Wales in June.

"We need to play better all-round cricket. We need to be disciplined when we play against Zimbabwe. They put up a really good fight against us last time they were here in the Caribbean.

"This international home series will be the ideal build-up for that tournament later in the year as we look to see the combinations and create a winning chemistry as we prepare," Ramdin said.

"It will be tough playing in England at that time of the year so we need to prepare well and create a winning momentum as we get ready to face the other top teams in the world."

© Cricket World 2013