TAUNTON, United Kingdom:

West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan says the main concern influencing the decision to call off their rain-affected fixture against Somerset yesterday was mainly a precautionary measure to save their bowlers from injury.

"The run-up was the main problem because it was wet and soft and we decided that we are not going to continue," said Sarwan while speaking to the media after the game yesterday.

He added: "We have four important Test matches coming up and we don't want to risk anyone getting hurt."

The match presented the only practice opportunity for the Windies ahead of Thursday's first Test, but two of the three days were washed out. Despite that, Sarwan said they trained a bit.

"When we had the sunshine during the breaks on the first day we had the bowlers out on the field bowling, trying to utilise the good weather as much as we could then."

He noted there was a difference in conditions though.

"We had a few guys bowling back in the Caribbean, this is different conditions and it's important to get the further practice in, but when we get to London it is important to utilise the facilities there."

Commenting further on the limited opportunities to take the field in the abandoned warm-up game, the Windies skipper said it was "disappointing".

"It's a bit disappointing not to get any practice in for the bowlers but nevertheless we have two more days before the Test match, so we will be looking forward to the preparation leading up to that game.

"I don't think you can worry about it too much now. It has gotten to a point where we are professional players, we have to adjust according to the situation. I don't want it (limited practice) to be a burden with people thinking that because we haven't played Test cricket in a while and that we haven't gotten much practice, it is a matter of the guys adjusting mentally now and I think the guys are capable of doing that."

On a personal note, Sarwan admitted not playing any cricket after the World Cup but says preparing well "matters most".

He said: "I haven't played any cricket at all. I think it is a matter of preparing yourself well and getting yourself mentally ready and I think that is what matters the most. I am disappointed that I did not get a good score here because I had a good opportunity to bat, but nevertheless I have to look ahead."

On the prospect of facing Steve Harmison at Lord's and throughout the Test series, he stated: "I have been following county cricket and I know Steve is in pretty good form. He played against us in the Caribbean and he did well and we know what he is capable of doing, it is now a matter for us to try and work to our plans which we will set up for him and try to be positive at the same time."