Powell wants Jamaica 60 celebrations at Sabina Park

AS THE nation continues to celebrate its athletes’ exploits at the Commonwealth Games and at the World Under-20 championships, national cricketer Rovman Powell is hoping that he and the West Indies team can add more smiles, as the regional side gets ready to take on New Zealand in T20 action right here in Kingston.

Sabina Park is set to play host to three T20 Internationals against the Blackcaps starting tomorrow, and Powell is keen to shrug off a disappointing 4-1 series loss to India recently, and kickstart a winning campaign for the Men in Maroon.

“That is always the mantra of West Indies players and teams. We are just trying to bring smiles back to the face of the people. We remember the glory days of West Indies cricket and the guys are working hard on doing that,” said Powell.

It is going to take some doing for the West Indies to convince local fans that they can deliver on their word, especially coming off heavy defeats, albeit against the world’s number-one ranked Indians.

The number-five ranked Kiwis won’t be any easier. However, vice-captain Powell is urging the players to remain focused and come up with the goods.

“International cricket is one sport that comes fast at you. So whether you are successful or not in your previous series, you have to put that fast behind you, and that is what the team is trying to do at the moment.”

Head coach Phil Simmons suggested these three T20s will be a quasi-trial for some players who will be looking to impress, as the Windies finalise their plans ahead of the next World Cup.

With that in mind, Powell believes the troops will have to dig deep to find form and show their true potential at the international level.

“Some of the greatest motivation comes from within. We try to strengthen people’s personalities and try to help them to work on the positives and look at the bright side of life. In cricket, you have more bad days than good. The key is when you get those good days, you don’t get too high, and when you have bad days, you don’t get too low.”