Edwards relishes start to his 'second coming'

KINGSTON: Fidel Edwards said he was thrilled about making his international comeback at Sabina Park, after helping West Indies to bowl India out in the first Test on Monday.

The West Indies fast bowler had been sidelined for the last two years with a career-threatening back injury, and was the preferred choice to form the new-ball attack with Ravi Rampaul ahead of compatriot Kemar Roach.

Edwards had fond memories of the ground, having taken five wickets on his debut five years ago against Sri Lanka, and he relished the chance to start the "second coming" of his international career on the ground.

"It was a good feeling to get back onto the field and doing so well, after not playing for so long, so it was a good start for me," said Edwards, the pick of the West Indies bowlers with four for 56 in India's first innings total of 246.

"It was hard seeing that Roach got left out, but I was glad that I was playing, and I took the opportunity.

"We have our final team meetings on the evening before every match, so I was told about it on Sunday evening. I was a bit nervous, but not a lot. Just a bit!

"Right now, my body is feeling alright. It is good to make my comeback in Jamaica, after not playing for so long."

Edwards proved ineffective in his opening spell from the newly christened Courtney Walsh End on the northern side of the ground.

Switched to the Michael Holding End on the southern side, he responded to the challenge, removing Virat Kohli in the final over before lunch.

He however, reserved special treatment for the India lower-order, triggering a collapse that saw the visitors lose four for 15 in 31 deliveries.

"It was a lack of match practice (in my opening spell)," he said. "I have not played a lot of top-class matches leading up to this Test, and bowling first up, was a bit harsh for me, but I got into my groove after that.

"The pitch has some bounce, but it is not as fast as I would like it. It is a bit two-paced.

"The ball was swinging a bit early on, so we tried to bowl in good areas, and bowl one side of the wicket before trying to mix it up to each batsman."

Edwards said West Indies were surprised that India chose to bat first, knowing the conditions that existed.

But West Indies were quite happy about their decision, since it was their intention to field first anyway.

"Our plan was to bowl them out for 250 or something less," he said. "After having them 85 for six, we thought we could bowl them out for less than 150, but Harbhajan played a good innings, and Raina as well.

"We would like to get at least 400 runs on this track, and try to bat once. The pitch is turning a lot, quite sharply."

Edwards also hailed leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for the way he has fitted right into international cricket.

"I was very impressed (with Bishoo)," he said. "I was impressed with the way he got three quick wickets - and three top batsmen - and taking a terrific catch in the deep (to dismiss Harbhajan), so he is the new star boy."

West Indies resume on 34 for one on Tuesday's second day.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011