Powell Called up for Zim ODIs

Hard-hitting Jamaican all-rounder Ricardo Powell will join the West Indies squad in Zimbabwe for the five-match ODI series beginning on November 22nd.

Powell, a one-day specialist who has appeared in 74 ODIs for the Caribbean side, will take the place of Omari Banks in a 15-man squad for the one-dayers. Middle order batsman Daren Ganga will also sit out the ODIs.

Powell, a sharp outfielder who bowls a tidy off-spin, averages just 26.12 in ODIs but his aggressive batting is a valuable asset at the bottom of the West Indies batting order. He has the ability to change the course of an inning -- and match -- with a few swings of the bat.

The decision to leave Banks out of the ODI series effectively leaves captain Brian Lara without a legitimate spinner. Instead, the likes of Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Ricardo Powell will have to bowl the fill-in overs.

FULL ODI SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE:

Brian Lara (captain)
Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice captain)
Chris Gayle
Wavell Hinds
Shiv Chanderpaul
Marlon Samuels
Ricardo Powell
Ridley Jacobs
Carlton Baugh
Vasbert Drakes
Jerome Taylor
Corey Collymore
Fidel Edwards
Ravi Rampaul
Merv Dillon