Pietersen Was A Big Wicket - Rampaul

NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom – West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul who has had an impressive return to international cricket says that he is trying to keep things simple.

"Yesterday in the second One Day game I was just trying to bowl like any other day, bowl line and length and try not to go for too many runs, be consistent and keep the pressure on," the 22 year old right arm fast bowler said.

Rampaul confessed that the wicket of key England batsman Kevin Pietersen was especially pleasing for him during his career best 4 for 41 haul as the West Indies sealed a 61 run win to level the three match series 1-1.

"Pietersen was a really big wicket for me and for the team, we all know he can play shots," said Rampaul who scattered Pietersen's stumps to leave England wobbly.

"I saw him trying to chip down the wicket to me so I wanted to bowl straight and it paid off," Rampaul explained of his strategy.

The quickie said that he is enjoying his return to international cricket after being sidelined by injury for close to three years.

"After being away for so long it is good to come out and perform, I am feeling confident and bowling well," said Rampaul who picked up his first four-fer in his 19th One Day International.

"Overall I am pleased with the performance yesterday, when I started to bowl I didn't know I would end up with 4 for 41 because I was going for some runs but sometimes you can't tell whether it will be a good day or bad day from the start, you just have to stick to basics and get through,"

His previous best bowling figures (2 for 34) was registered at Trent Bridge during the West Indies last tour of England in 2004 and it is also the venue for the final ODI against England this season. Rampaul is no doubt looking forward to a return to the ground.

"It is a like a final, we have to play for a win, I am confident looking forward for another good performance," Rampaul said.

"Our bowling so far throughout the limited overs series has been good, we are bowling in partnerships and that has been working for us and we are looking to continue that on Saturday," Rampaul said.

He, like all his teammates had high praise for the exceptional batting of the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul who set up the Windies victory with an unbeaten ton.

"Shiv is the anchor of our batting and he went out there and did exactly what is required for team, he played a really magnificent innings," Rampaul said from the team hotel in Nottingham.