DHAKA, Bangladesh:

Ravi Rampaul says there is still a role for the fast bowlers in the West Indies team to play, when they face hosts Bangladesh in their two-Test series.

The West Indies fast bowler said he and the rest of the pace attack may find the pitches typically unforgiving during the series, but it just meant they had to adjust their tactics to reap the rewards.

"From past experiences, the pitches have always been slow for the fast bowlers, but the spinners get a little turn," he told reporters yesterday ahead of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Bangladesh.

"It's basically a pitch on which you have to exercise patience. Use your variations and attack the wicket more."

He added: "The pitches have been slower in some parts of the world, so we try to keep things as simple as possible and try to execute the basics properly.

Reports indicated that the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla, where the first Test starts tomorrow, has been much kinder to the fast bowlers in two domestic first-class matches this year.

Rampaul said West Indies could exploit any type of conditions, since they had a balanced attack.

"We have some fast bowlers who can clock around 90 miles an hour, so if the pitch gives us purchase and we put the ball in the right areas we can attack them.

West Indies suffered a setback before the tour started, when fast bowler Kemar Roach was sidelined with a knee injury just prior to the side's departure for the trip.

Roach has been the team's most successful bowler in Tests this year with 39 wickets, but Rampaul said he felt the attack could manage without him.

West Indies yesterday continued their preparations for the first Test with a full practice session that included match simulations under the guidance of head coach Ottis Gibson.

This is West Indies' third full tour of Bangladesh, following trips in 2002 and last year.