Calcutta: Ravi Rampaul had a long lay-off from the game at the international level and now the West Indies fast bowler is looking to make an impact during the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The 28-year-old last played for the Windies last December when the team was in Bangladesh before he was sidelined by an injury.

He returned to competitive cricket for Trinidad & Tobago in the Regional 4-Day and Super50 tournaments earlier this year, and was also impressive for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently-concluded IPL-VI.

Rampaul said the time away from the team gave him a chance to reflect, regroup and plan his new approach.

“I always want to perform for West Indies and I always want to perform for my country,” he said.

“I have not played for West Indies for a couple months now, so I want to come back and get the ball rolling and get some wickets and some good performances. I’m ready to go. I’m feeling a lot fitter and stronger. I managed to lose some weight, so I’m ready and confident.”

Rampaul was speaking as the Windies continued their intense preparations for the Champions Trophy, which begins next week. The Windies assembled in Cardiff, Wales, earlier this week and have been training at the Swalec Stadium.

The Caribbean side play their first warm-up match on Saturday at the same venue. They then travel to Birmingham for the second warm-up against Sri Lanka, next Tuesday, at Edgbaston. “I played a few times in England before and the ball does swing around and seam around,” said Rampaul.

“Once you stick to the basics and get the ball in the right areas, it will do something… So the key to bowling here is to be consistent and the ball will do the work for you.”