BRIDGETOWN, May 8: West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan says he is ready to make necessary adjustments needed for the top post.

Sarwan, a 26-year-old right-handed batsman, was chosen to lead the team on the England tour, following Brian Lara’s sudden retirement from international cricket.

“I know certain things will have to change now that I am the captain. I am fully aware of my responsibilities,” Sarwan said before the team's departure for London.

“I will continue to enjoy my cricket and my life but there is no way after all this hard work, I will allow my social life to affect the team or my cricket. I am known to play some rash shots at times. I am confident the added responsibility will help my batting especially now that Lara is no longer here and we all have to step up and play our part.”

Sarwan, who was the vice-captain of the regional side for four years, is one of the side’s most experienced players with 65 Tests and 124 ODIs, after making international debut at the age of 19.

Against the backdrop of West Indies’ recent failings, Sarwan said as a captain he was now focussed on helping his team move forward collectively.

“When you are not performing everyone questions how you play, your commitment and what you do in your private life. I guess that's understandable. It hurts when we lose games and may be everyone should take some of the blame. This (captaincy) is an important position and I take it very seriously. I feel my biggest challenge is to get players, coaching staff and administrators to look in one direction, to work together as one big team for the betterment of the game.

“I think that will be a big step in our moving forward as a team and improving the image of West Indies cricket.

Sarwan said he believed he would have full support of his team-mates, most of whom had already called him to congratulate him on appointment as captain.

“Most of the guys called to congratulate me and pledge their support. It is good to know we are going to England as one united team,” Sarwan expressed. —Agencies