Barath targeting India return

Adrian Barath, the West Indies opening batsman, has said he hopes to be fit in time for West Indies' home series against India after picking up a right hamstring injury just before the 2011 World Cup that caused him to miss the tournament.

Barath has not played any competitive cricket since February but has been working on improving his fitness and technique while he recovers, something he believes will help him become a better player.

"I am feeling much better and I have been training [with First Citizens Clarke Road United] and I feel fitter now than I ever was," Barath told the Trinidad Express. "I want to return to competitive cricket as soon as possible and hopefully I can return to international cricket for the India home series."

He admitted that injuries have set him back and that he was frustrated by the layoff but was optimistic he would come back stronger and fitter because his recovery period was being extended to ensure that the injury would not re-occur in the future.

"I have been using the time to work on my fitness. As an international cricketer, fitness is very important so I want to be as fit as possible and I think that will auger well for me in the future."

The opener will make his return to competitive cricket this weekend in the Eastern Credit Union Premier Division, playing for Clarke Road United against T&TEC Sports at Point Lisas.

"This game is going to be competitive and I am going to try my best to help Clarke Road move up the table. My personal aim is to occupy the crease. I have been batting in the nets a lot and I have been working on certain aspects of my game, both physically and technically. I got advice from various coaches. I have been training with my club and I am ready to play."