Powell eager to cement Windies spot

Having been recalled to the West Indies 15-man One-Day International (ODI) and T20 squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, Jamaican all-rounder Rovman Powell says he plans to use the series to cement a permanent spot in the regional side.

The 26-year-old Powell, who is averaging 23.92 in 34 ODI matches, last represented the Caribbean side in December 2018, when he captained the West Indies team on the tour of Bangladesh.

Powell staked a claim during a productive Regional Super50 campaign, which saw him scoring two centuries for the Jamaican Scorpions.

WORKING HARD

He told The Gleaner that he has been working very hard to improve his craft this season, adding that he is very happy that it is now paying off for him.

“To be honest, I feel good because a lot of hard work have gone into getting back and I think this is just the reward,” said Powell.

“I went to the Super50 where I scored two centuries and so it is a good feeling to know that the hard work that you have done, you are rewarded for it,” he said.

To be honest, I wasn’t totally surprised because the selectors have placed emphasis on scoring runs and scoring centuries and once you do that then, they will find a place for you,” Powell said.

The right-arm medium pacer, who has taken three wickets at an average of 81.00, underlines that he has made significant improvement in his batting and is now determined to make the most of the latest opportunity that has been presented to him.

“I am just trying to put my best foot forward and trying to scoring runs whenever I get the opportunity and get wickets whenever I get the chance,” Powell stated.

“I think I have learned to bat a little better and I think I have come a long way in regard to that and it is just up to me now to take the experience and sure up a spot in the team,” Powell said.

Powell will be joined in the squad by fellow Jamaicans Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell and Brandon King.

Meanwhile, there is no space for Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer, who were left out for fitness reasons, according to a Cricket West Indies release.

Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh.