Ramdin - Dellmar photo

DURHAM CITY, England (CMC):

Denesh Ramdin, the West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman, is expressing delight at his career-best first-class innings yesterday that highlighted the last day of their drawn three-day match against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) XI.

Ramdin stroked 131 and helped West Indies post a massive first innings reply - to the MCC's 260 - of 534 for eight declared at the Racecourse Ground.

"I needed to spend some time at the crease," said Ramdin, who had scored a total of just 11 runs in the touring side's second Test loss to England last weekend at Headingley.

"I knew once I spent the first hour out there things would be easy afterwards," Ramdin added.

Ramdin concedes that his century on Sunday will boost his confidence heading to the third Test, but he anticipates that with the better quality bowling opposition at Old Trafford starting Thursday, he must approach the assignment with diligence.

"I am feeling very confident but I have to continue to work hard. There is a lot more improvements to make for the Test match at Old Trafford but I will remain confident. I have to be mentally strong and remain fit and do the job for the team," Ramdin said.

The 22-year-old former West Indies youth captain, thumped 16 fours and three sixes in his innings that lasted 209 minutes and 163 balls. He starred in an unlikely century stand with fast bowler Jerome Taylor (35), the pair adding 110 runs for the sixth wicket.

Ramdin also acknowledged the good support he received from the other lower order batsmen. He added 45 for the seventh wicket with Daren Powell (18) and 39 for the eighth wicket with Fidel Edwards (7 not out).