Fit Collins ready to lead Windies bowling’

BRIDGETOWN: After missing the last two Tests against South Africa because of injury, fast bowler Pedro Collins said Wednesday he is ready to lead the West Indies bowling for the one-day internationals against South Africa. Collins assumed the responsibility of spearheading the West Indies bowling after the 2-0 loss in the series against South Africa. “I feel confident and as the senior bowler I know it’s my job to be the spearhead,” the 28-year-old player said before departing from his native Barbados for Jamaica, where the West Indies face South Africa this weekend.

“We’ve got to be spot-on and improve in several areas. Our lines and lengths have to be on the mark. We have a challenge and we need to win the one-day series and salvage some pride,” he added. The left-arm pacer returns to the team after missing the third and fourth Test matches in Barbados and Antigua with a lower back strain. In the first two Tests in Guyana and Trinidad he was the West Indies’ best bowler with six wickets. Since making his debut in 1999 he has played 28 one-day internationals, with 38 wickets at 29.10 apiece. “They (South Africa) are a very aggressive bunch and will be coming at us. (As a bowler) you have to target certain guys and stick to your plan,” he said.