Under the Spotlight - Captain Sarwan - "We Have To Adjust Mentally"

TAUNTON, United Kingdom - West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan spoke with the media after the game against Somerset was abandoned. Following are excerpts from his comment.

On the limited opportunities to take the field in the abandoned warm up game versus Somerset:
It's a bit disappointing not to get any practice in for the bowlers but nevertheless we have two more days before the Test match so we will be looking forward to the preparation leading up to that game. I don't think you can worry about it too much now. It has gotten to a point where we are professional players, we have to adjust according to the situation. I don't want it (limited practice) to be a burden with people thinking that because we haven't played Test cricket in a while and that we haven't gotten much practice, it is a matter of the guys adjusting mentally now and I think the guys are capable of doing that.

On the lack of practice for the bowlers:
When we had the sunshine during the breaks on the first day we had the bowlers out on the field bowling, trying to utilize the good weather as much as we could then. We had a few guys bowling back in the Caribbean, this is different conditions and it's important to get the further practice in but when we get to London it is important to utilize the facilities there.

On what was the main concern in the captain's minds as they agreed to bring an end to the game:
The run up was the main problem because it was wet and soft and we decided that we are not going to continue. We have four important Test matches coming up and we don't want to risk anyone getting hurt.

On how much cricket he has played since World Cup:
I haven't played any cricket at all. I think it is a matter of preparing yourself well and getting yourself mentally ready and I think that is what matters the most. I am disappointed that I did not get a good score here because I had a good opportunity to bat but nevertheless I have to look ahead.

On the prospect of facing Steve Harmison at Lord's and throughout the Test series:
I have been following county cricket and I know Steve is in pretty good form. He played against us in the Caribbean and he did well and we know what he is capable of doing, it is now a matter for us to try and work to our plans which we will set up for him and try to be positive at the same time.