ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Kieran Powell is revelling in his second chance at international cricket and says he intends to make the most of it and fight his way back into the Test and Twenty20 squads.
The left-hander is part of a West Indies 13-man squad which will take on England in three One-day Internationals starting tomorrow at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here.
His selection comes after he returned to regional first-class competition last year following a two-year, self-imposed break from the game.
“Lots of people don’t get an opportunity to play international cricket and I’m having a second opportunity,” the 26-year-old said.
“I just need to maximise it and not put myself under any pressure but continue to work hard, that’s the key to it. I’ve been working very hard, I’ve felt like a completely different person to when I just started to play cricket so hopefully this can carry on.”
He continued: “Hopefully my performances can push me into the Test and the Twenty20 teams as well but I need to go out and do my best and make sure that I don’t leave that in the hands of others.
“I’m not taking anything for granted. Being back in cricket after such a long time, it’s an opportunity and a good privilege. I’m honoured to be here and hopefully I can get some big scores.”
Powell forced his way back into the West Indies squad with heavy scoring in the recent Regional Super50 where he amassed 513 runs with three centuries.
He returns to a side markedly different to the one he left in 2014, with several new faces now decorating the line-up, but the Nevisian said he was looking forward to learning and also helping to inspire.
“I enjoyed playing with those guys and I learned a lot from them. I think it’s a now a situation where we have a young team where guys are looking to prove themselves,” he said.
“I’m also looking to do the same thing. Hopefully we can feed off each other’s performances, help each other to get better and that’s all we can ask for.”
During his time away from cricket, Powell experimented briefly with American baseball and was fortunate enough to have trials with several United States franchises.
And even though he opted to return to cricket, he said his foray into baseball had helped improve his batting.
“I’m definitely glad I did it. I think it’s helped improve my game in so many ways,” said Powell, who has in the past played 21 Tests and 28 ODIs.
“I think I have a better base when I’m batting now, I’m a lot more solid, I’m able to generate more power and it’s improved my hand-eye co-ordination as well.
“They’re massive gains to have … going into what is a rebirth in my cricketing career.”
