Ramdin WORCESTER, England (CMC):
West Indies are hoping to extend their winning ways in their upcoming One-Day International series against England, following their comprehensive seven-wicket win over England A Thursday.
In a match reduced to 24 overs because of rain, West Indies easily overhauled England's total of 174 for six, finishing on 178 for three.
"For the past few years we've played good one-day cricket and we've reached the ICC final twice and a final in Malaysia as well," Denesh Ramdin, who top-scored with 73 in the West Indies reply, told reporters.
"The guys are keyed up to one-day cricket, there is a lot of energy out there and it is the Caribbean style to play a lot of shots as well.
"Over the last couple weeks we played up and down cricket. We weren't consistent at all. Each time you would like to go out there on the field and play and win, it doesn't matter whether it is off the last ball or by a huge margin, we would like to continue and keep winning from here on."
Ramdin conceded, however, the West Indies needed to improve on how they had played recently in order to overcome the hosts in the three-match ODI series beginning next month.
"The guys have to continue doing the basics things. The cricket that we played over the last couple of weeks wasn't that great. We need to work hard, play as a team, as one unit and work towards one goal," the 22-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman noted.
Ramdin said the team had shown great character in the win on Thursday, especially after England A got off to a frenetic start on winning the toss.
He said the players had rallied around each other until they eventually got the breakthrough, with Marlon Samuels prising out Will Jefferson for 36.
"We were all cheering each other on. I was there supporting the guys, Chris (Gayle) was there cheering on the bowlers and they were backed up in the field as well," Ramdin explained.
"The straight boundaries are not that long so boundaries were hit there but a couple of wickets fell with Marlon Samuels coming into the attack and bowling well. He bowled a lot of dot balls and that is how the pressure was built up consistently throughout the innings."
Five players, not originally in the Windies squad, were included as the regional team found themselves short. Players called up for the ODI series were late in arriving here, while the ones not needed had returned to the Caribbean.
"It was an opportunity for players who played in the A Team previously and who play for their countries in the regional tournament to come out and show the kind of talent they have," Ramdin said.
"Thanks to them for coming out and doing well for us. We have a couple of injuries and in the circumstances it was good that myself and Runako took up the slack and won the game."
