Sarwan ... I was very shocked, but I said nothing. - File

TORONTO, Ontario (CMC):

West Indies cricket captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has declared that he is match fit and ready to return to the international stage after injuring his right shoulder just over two months ago in the second Test of the West Indies' tour of England.

Sarwan damaged the shoulder while attempting to prevent a boundary during the Headingley Test, his second as the Caribbean's new captain.

He spent last week in Toronto receiving laser and acupuncture treatment and active release therapy from chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. Rudy Singh.

"I am ready to go," he said.

"I have started to do some shadow batting and the pain has subsided," Sarwan said in an interview before returning home last Saturday to participate in a Digicel coaching clinic.

Sarwan shared his recollection of the injury, the third significant physical setback he has endured in the past year.

"I was in two minds as I was going after the ball," he recalled.

"I wanted to dive earlier, but by the time I realised I was very close to the boundary, I lunged forward and fell awkwardly. Looking back, it was obviously not the right thing to do. I have been unfortunate with injuries recently, but hopefully I will remain healthy for a long period."

Hairline fracture

The Guyanese right-handed batsman suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot during the tour to Pakistan late last year. He also missed this year's Carib Beer regional series with a hand injury.

He, however, revealed that the most painful blow he has suffered as an international cricketer was his surprise omission last November from the second Test against Pakistan at Multan.

"I was in the dressing room on the morning of the Test preparing to go out for batting practicewhen Brian (Lara) approached me and said I was not playing," Sarwan recounted.

"I was very shocked, but I said nothing and went out to do some batting drills. I don't think my omission was justified. I was very angry because there was no specific reason given for the decision to drop me.

"It made me understand that the sport is also about politics and that people would do what's necessary to accomplish their own goals, whatever that might be. It was a very humiliating experience, but I think it has made me stronger as a person," Sarwan said.