Tall, strong and well-built, Ravi Rampaul is one among a bunch of West Indian fast bowlers who is trying to find a regular place in the Test and ODI sides. When in form, Rampaul moves the ball both ways at a brisk pace, and is capable of bowling long spells.

For a long time, though, it seemed Rampaul might never fulfill his potential at international level, as he did little of note in his first six years in international cricket, partly due to injury: he was picked to tour southern Africa in 2003-04, and England later that year, but he broke down and returned home, shin splints sidelining him for more than a year. He played intermittently thereafter, but when belatedly given an opportunity towards the end of the 2011 World Cup, Rampaul instantly made his mark with a five-for against India - including the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar - and then sustained his form in the home season, taking 11 wickets in the two-Test series against Pakistan, which was almost three times the haul in his first five Tests. His ability to strike regularly with the new ball is particularly impressive, and if he maintains his form and fitness he could become West Indies' regular new-ball bowler for the next few years.
Cricinfo staff