Published: Monday 20th February, 2017
By: T. J. Chapman
Charlestown, Nevis – Opening batsman Kieran Powell’s selection in the West Indies training squad signals his return to the West Indies cricket team after a gap of almost three years. A mere 11 months after his return to first class cricket, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes opening batsman earned himself the award for the most runs scored in the recently concluded WICB Regional Super50 tournament.
Powell last played against New Zealand in June 2014 and has been out of the West Indies squad since then. In February-March 2015, he played four first-class matches for Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in Sri Lanka’s first-class Premier League Tournament.
In January 2015, Powell issued a statement saying that mixed signals from West Indies cricket authorities had left him “deflated and confused” as he attempted to return to international cricket after a self-imposed break for the game. This resulted in his decision to step away from the game for an extended period of time. In January 2016, he tried his hand at baseball and also returned to first class cricket.
Kieran’s return to first class cricket coupled with the improved mechanisms for the Leewards setup, has allowed fans to witness the overall improvement in bowling, fielding, concentration levels and a new sense of competiveness from the Hurricanes.
In this year’s regional tournament, the Hurricanes during the group stage finished second only to Trinidad and Tobago to advance to the semi-final where they lost to Barbados Pride. Surprising fans, the Leeward Islands played competitive cricket under the leadership of Powell who scored in excess of 500 runs with three centuries. Other outstanding performances came from Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Montcin Hodge and Jahmar Hamilton.
The West Indies 15-man training squad will have a camp in the build-up to the three-match series against the visitors, England. The squad will arrive in Antigua later this week and commence training on Thursday 23 February under the guidance of new Head Coach Stuart Law.
Powell has played 28 ODIs for West Indies since his debut. He has scored 772 runs which includes seven half centuries. In 63 List A matches he has scored 1800 runs with three centuries and 10 fifties at an average of 30.
The West Indies Training Squad Reads: Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell
