Bring on the South Africans – media and all

Denesh Ramdin

Lights, cameras and lots of action!

That’s the best way to describe our arrival in South Africa on Monday afternoon as a host of media persons turned out to meet, greet – and of course, interview – us upon our arrival for the second and arguably tougher segment of the ongoing cricket tour.

It was an early taste of what we can expect over the next month-and-a-half as we negotiate our way through three Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals versus the powerful South African outfit. A lot of journalists, broadcasters and photographers jostled for positions to talk to players and to get pictures of us. I have to admit it could be pretty intimidating if you’ve never been in such a situation but I am used to it by now and not at all nervous about such frenzies.

You do need to be prepared though for these experiences which are a part of the international cricket landscape. When the West Indies former media liaison, Imran Khan, was with the team, I took the opportunity on various off days to do interview simulations and other media-related exercises with him so that I would be comfortable whenever I speak to media and never be caught off-guard or flustered. It’s really helped and I’m sure the practice I’ve had will again be useful here in South Africa.

We are well aware that the media will be monitoring us closely and waiting eagerly to see how we handle the highly-ranked South Africans. Our intention is to give them lots to talk about. Nobody in the West Iindies team is under any illusions that the next few weeks will be a very stern test for us but, as skipper Chris Gayle stated frankly in his comments at the airport, we don’t fear South Africa and we will fight all the way in every match. We have come here to win. There’s been much speculation about us being badly beaten and being out of our depth but, at the end of the day, cricket is played out on the field.

Friday’s day-night game against the Makhaya Ntini Invitation XI will be a priceless opportunity to make a definitive and serious opening statement to the South Africans. It’s an important match and we would like to send a message that we’re here for business and to give them a run for their money. It will also give some of our players a chance to press their claim for selection when the series proper starts. I will be among those seeking to do so – both behind the stumps and if and when I get to bat.

Right now, I’m trying to get acclimatised to the weather – it rained overnight – and to the pitches here which are supposed to have more bounce than those in Zimbabwe. We had a light workout yesterday (stretching and some football etc.) with new coach John Dyson. The players have not had any one-on-one interaction with him yet but I expect we will get to know him over the coming days and weeks. I’m looking forward to learning whatever I can from him and executing that knowledge in match situations.

I left Zimbabwe feeling pretty confident and pleased with how things went there and will be aiming to build on that in South Africa. Winning the one-day series 3-1 was good for us and team morale, though we were a little disappointed that the final game was washed out. Overall, the guys are happy, getting along really well and up for the challenge ahead. We know sticking together and helping each other will be critical for us to beat South Africa and we have a vibrant team spirit going.

We can’t wait to get out on the field and show what we’re made of – and we expect the media to be watching.