By Avenash Ramzan
Recalled West Indies Test batsman Kieran Powell said he counted each month he was out the team, and this new chapter is about grabbing the opportunities and cementing his spot.
The 31-year-old opener was named in the West Indies 13-man squad to face South Africa in two Test matches, the first of which starts on June 10 in St. Lucia.
The left-hander last played Test cricket in November 2018 on West Indies tour of Bangladesh, making 14, 0, 4, 6, as the Caribbean side lost both Test matches.
“I’ve been out of the team two and a half years now. I counted each month I was out the team, so obviously it’s a great feeling to be back,” Powell said.
In the ‘Best vs Best’ Four-Day game leading up to the series, Powell reminded the selectors of his ability, scoring 22 and 95 as Jahmar Hamilton XI defeated Jermaine Blackwood XI.
With John Campbell struggling in Test cricket and no other opener in the region making a serious case for selection, the Roger Harper-led Selection Panel opted for the experience of Powell, a man with 40 Tests to his name in a career that started a decade ago.
“Kieran Powell we know is a very capable batsman who we expect to add quality and depth to the batting department. He put himself in the mix with his performance in the Best vs Best match,” Harper said when the squad was announced on Tuesday.
In 76 innings, Powell has scored 2011 runs at an average of 26.81 with three hundreds and six fifties.
Those are numbers Powell will no doubt look to improve on, given the emphasis he placed on bettering his game while on the sidelines.
“I spent a lot of time (doing) not only introspection, but a lot of personal work, a lot of technical work, making sure I’m getting into better positions and covering my stumps better, so I can allow myself to have a better chance of getting through the new ball, which is the most difficult part of batting,” Powell explained.
FULL SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice-Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
