Bravo feels he is hitting top form at right time

NEW DELHI - West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo feels he is hitting the top form just in time for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

After a three-hour practice session at Kotla, Bravo hinted that he needed to work on his batting, though he seems to have no complaints about his bowling.

“I have been going through a lean period for sometime, but as the first match approaches, I am improving both my bowling and batting. I feel everything is falling in place at the right time,” said Bravo.

“It will be a long tournament and I understand I have a big role to play with bat and ball. I am aware of my responsibilities, too.”

Bravo does not want to look back and see how the sides in the past have done, he only wants to look ahead.

West Indies have been struggling for form and their last win against a Test nation came way back in June 2009. They have little to talk about the last two World Cups as they suffered a first round exit in 2003 and a disappointing super eight finish in the home edition four years later.

“Last two World Cups were not good for us, but this is a new event played in different conditions and on different pitches.

“We have a lot of new faces in the team and a lot of all-rounders this time. We have prepared very hard coming into this tournament and the team is full of confidence.

“I know we have been written off along with some other teams, but our chances are as good as anyone.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we will qualify for the second round.”

Bravo said the team is looking forward to their tough opener against South Africa in their tournament opener Thursday.

“They have a bad history in World Cups buy they are a very tough team to beat,” Bravo said referring to their 0-5 defeat at the hand of Proteas last year.

“They are a well-balanced team. I always look forward to playing them.They play hard and fair and that is how I like to play my game, too.”

Asked about playing India later in the group stage, Bravo said: “India are a good side and they will be eager to win after being knocked out in the first round last time.

“But we are not thinking about anything in specific. All the best to them (India) and I look forward to playing them at a later stage.”