Ramdin ready for 20/20 challenge

LONDON, England (CMC):

West Indies vice-captain Denesh Ramdin says the Caribbean side will not be deterred by the tough challenges facing them at the ICC World Twenty20 tournament.

Drawn in Group C alongside the reigning World Cup champions Australia and Sri Lanka, West Indies will open against the Aussies on June 6 at The Oval and the wicket-keeper/batsman is bracing for stiff competition.

"It definitely won't be easy. Those are the two better sides in the ODI as well as in the Twenty20 formats. They have good players who on the day can do well," Ramdin said.

The 24-year-old Trinidadian declared healthy respect for their opponents but asserted that West Indies can match them if they play to their potential.

"They (Australia and Sri Lanka) have a lot of big names but we have a good team which is capable of beating anyone on a good day. I think we have a good team going into the ICC World Twenty20 with the likes of Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, along with the young players coming through, Keiron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo returning to the side," he said.

Anxious to improve

Ramdin also admitted that the Windies will be anxious to improve on their last showing in this tournament - South Africa in 2007 when they failed to make it past the group stages of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

"Yes, we played some good cricket in South Africa in parts but now it's about putting our all-round game into play. We need to be a lot more consistent.

"Hopefully, if the guys come together and play well, play some great cricket, I can't see why the West Indies can't win this trophy as well," he said.

Anyone's game

Ramdin said Twenty20 cricket is anyone's game on any given day.

"Everyone says it's a batters game but, at the end of the day, the bowlers need to come on and get wickets for you.

"Taking a couple of wickets means the bowler has done his job, and now a batter can go out there hit a couple of sixes and win a game for you. A brilliant catch by a fielder can also win a game for you.

"Anything can happen on any given day, it's anyone's game."