NORTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Left-hander Kieran Powell said Saturday overcoming unfamiliar English conditions would be the biggest hurdle for the touring West Indies, after stroking a century on the third day of the four-day tour-match against England Lions here yesterday.
His 108 led a Windies revival as the Caribbean side batted all day to post 377 for eight after starting the day facing the prospect of an inning defeat on 28 for three.
“[I’m] pretty much acquainted with the conditions like anyone else. For me, it’s to reacquaint myself with conditions,” said the 22-year-old, who spent two years at Millfield cricket school in Somerset as a teenager.
“[There are] different quality bowlers as you would imagine and different grounds. It’s just about getting hold of conditions as much as possible.
“It’s always important to have good days in practice matches and spend as much time as possible in the middle. It is good that we got some time in the middle that is well needed.”
Playing for the first time in familiar sunshine on what has been a chilly, rain-ravaged tour, Powell batted West Indies out of danger in an innings that lasted 310 minutes and 235 balls and included 13 fours and a six.
Shiv Chanderpaul added 77 and Darren Bravo, 57, while Marlon Samuels scored an attacking 44, in an encouraging batting performance that has come five days before the opening Test at Lord’s
Despite the success, Powell reiterated the importance of assessing conditions during the Test series.
You will have to play according to the conditions,” he stressed.
“We do not know what Lord’s is going to provide differently to this ground or any other ground. You will just have to play what you see and hope for the best.”
Powell shared in two century stands, adding 108 for the fourth wicket with Darren Bravo who got 57, and a further 122 for the fifth wicket with veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul who stroked 77.
With a lead of 183 runs heading into Sunday’s final day, Powell believes the Windies can now push for a win.
“Bravo and I were just trying to take it in spells of five runs. So you got five runs and try to go as long as possible doing this,” Powell explained.
“I thought the pitch got better for batting yesterday and partially this morning. But then it started to keep low at both ends and we feel once we can get a good score on the board, we can win.”
