Sarwan dismisses doubters

Colombo, Feb 14 (AFP) Recalled West Indies batsmanRamnaresh Sarwan declared today that his side was determinedto silence critics who have predicted an embarrassing WorldCup flop.

"We are not too concerned about what people say," the30-year-old told reporters after a team practice session inColombo.

"We are focused on what we have to do, and that is toplay well as a team, and if we do that everything will takecare of itself."

The experienced Sarwan notched a match-wining 123 toguide the West Indies to a comfortable 61-run victory in awarm-up match against Kenya on Saturday after losing fourearly wickets.

They now take on Sri Lanka in their last warm-up matchtomorrow before the World Cup -- jointly hosted by India, SriLanka and Bangladesh -- starts on February 19.

The West Indies are placed in Group B of the 14-teamcompetition and open their campaign with a tough match againstSouth Africa, in New Delhi, on February 24.

"We are a good team, so discounting us doesn''t bother us,we have to play well as a team and everything will be settledwith that and I am sure we have the ability to do well," saidSarwan, who hails from Guyana.

Sarwan last played for the West Indies in a one-dayseries at home against South Africa in May and June 2010.

He was subsequently dropped due to fitness issues andindifferent form on the domestic circuit and wasn''t offered aWest Indies central contract.

But he was recalled for the World Cup for his experienceand record, which shows 5,245 runs in 159 one-dayinternationals. He has also played 83 Tests for his country.

"Of course it was disheartening to be dropped and notbeing able to play for the West Indies," he said.

"But that''s behind me now and it''s important now tocontribute and as a team able to play well in this World Cup."(AFP) SHN