Hosts West Indies have given a comeback opportunity to Leeward Islands batsman Kieran Powell by naming him in the squad for the West Indies vs Pakistan 1s t Test at Jamaica which begins on April 21.
If selected in the playing XI, then Kieran Powell will play what will be his first Test in about three years having last played a Test match in 2014 against the Kiwis, reported Cricbuzz.com.
The West Indies have come up with a 13-man squad for the opening Test match at the Sabina Park which begins on Friday. West Indies squad for Jamaica Test also includes the rookie batsmen Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer who are yet to make their debuts.
As far as the various cricket betting odds are concerned, Pakistan are the clear favourites to defeat the West Indies, which is still in the team building mode since a long time. While Pakistan’s batting has always been suspect, they have the bowlers to take 10 wickets in a Test match innings.
Commenting on the West Indies squad for Jamaica Test, former West Indies wicket keeper and chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, said: “We have a young Test squad which was admirably led by Jason Holder during the last series and, though there are some noticeable absentees, we believe that the players will give a good account of themselves especially in their own backyard.”
On the recall of Kieran Powell in the West Indies squad, Courtney Browne said: “We are happy to be able to give a recall to Kieran Powell for one of the opening slots, although he did not have the best regional first-class season.
“He showed for the President’s XI that his experience can add value to our team.”
Adding further on Kieran Powell, Courtney Browne said: “West Indies cricket has invested heavily in him over the years and with the void of openers within the Caribbean, the panel felt a need to fast track him through our A-Team programme last year with a view in helping him to bridge that gap.”
Interestingly, the 27-year-old Kieran Powell almost left cricket following his last Test appearance to pursue his baseball dreams in the US. However, he failed to do so and returned home to play in the CPL for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season.
This February, Kieran Powell was the highest run getter in the Regional Super50 tournament by scoring 513 in eight innings at an average of 64.12. The result was his inclusion in the West Indies ODI squads against England last month followed up by the series against Pakistan.
From the squad that played three Tests against Pakistan in the UAE in October, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, and Leon Johnson have been axed and so were Jomel Warrican and Carlos Brathwaite.
West Indies Squad for Jamaica Test: Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Vishaul Singh, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (Wicket Keeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel