Message Board Archives

West Indies opening batsman, Kieran Powell, is hopeful that a polished half-century, crafted in the ongoing West Indies Best vs Best practice match, will be enough to get the attention of the selectors ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa.

On Wednesday, Powell anchored the WI Best B innings with a responsible 95 from 175 balls, which was earned in 227 minutes.  The batsman, who has not represented the West Indies since 2018, during the team’s series against Bangladesh, has had a difficult relationship with the selection panel as of late.

Now back in contention, the player will be hoping to put such episodes behind him.

“I would hope it (the score) leaves me in a position of strength.  I think there has been just one century, so this is the second-highest score if I’m not mistaken,” Powell said, following the day's play.

Read more at SportsMax

Full Story

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

Its a tough decision by selectors, Powell might make the squad but Hope will get the starting role over him due to Hope's recent relative consistency.

In reply to Slipfeeler

I think Hope should definitely be in the starting eleven based on his current form. The million dollar question is where should he bat.

In reply to Fivestar

The only vacant position is that of an opener.

In reply to Fivestar
If selectors decide to keep 'Pujara'Bonner at 3
hoping that he will play that role then slot Hope in @4.
If Bravo plays Holder Roach, Cornwall, Alzari with lil help from
Kraigg's pelt can be enough. For a more assertive #3 its Hope but
I wouldn't have two returning batsmen in Powell n Hope at 2 n 3
This batting SHOULD produce 350 even in a 4th inning
Kraigg
Kieran
Nkrumah
Mayers
Bravo
Jermaine
Jason
Josh
Rackheem, Alzari, Kemar. Bowling short but...

In reply to Brerzerk

The only possible changes would be Hope replacing Campbell as Opener, selectors might also be tempted to consider replacing Cornwall with Chase, so as to accommodate an extra batsman with 4 pacers on a quick wicket but this would have been an unfortunate move since Cornwall has been playing very well with both bat and ball, and would not be seen as a popular move to change a player who has not failed, although it would not be the first time for WI selectors.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Can't Cornwall 'bat?' Are his last test scores an anomaly?
There is more than one open spot. a.Campbell's opening slot
b. Jason slotting into the team from Bangla was a replacement for
Warrican moreso than Mosely. That he can bat and each top order moved a place up doesn't mean that
Moseley's spot was filled. I agree that a test team should aim to have 5 bowlers most of the time.
The X1 vs. Lanka is missing an opening bat and an opening bowler through injury that's two slots.

In reply to Brerzerk

Yes he can certainly bat, so the expectations are that the selectors should do the right thing and keep him in the starting team.

Man meking 50 these days and think they have a good shot at a test spot.

Where are we going?

In reply to KayBetter than those who already there and can't even make a fifty not even in a trial match they performing??? It is a trial match for the selectors to see who scores the most runs and who bats more convincingly overall.

reply

Powel and Braithwaite as openers and Hope number 3. The bowling department still not ready.

In reply to Slipfeeler Nope..Jermaine Blackwood position is in contention too

Flip a coin between him and Hope...Hope gets the edge because we can rearrange the batting order, if they want to be adventurous and open with DaSilva, then Hope can wk.

I'm sure they'll open with Hope, he's earned it in this match.

Powell..i'm sorry..it wasn't even a big ton, and your last FC season was mediocre as well

He is still a better opener than some of the other guys in the mix.

The selectors would be remiss if they tamper too much with the starting eleven that helped the team move two spots in the rankings.
No change until this team fail as a unit. Hope has been abysmal in red ball cricket and so has Powell over many years of utter futility as an opener when given the opportunity.
Why go back to proven failures that did not contribute to the fortunes of W I cricket?
The only change would be to bite the bullet and let Hope bat at three.
Why should an inter squad four day game make a case for players that opt out of the last two tours? And two proven failures in red ball cricket? SMH.

In reply to buds


I take it you're in favor of continuing with Campbell?

In reply to buds

So your solution is to stick with the proven failure, Campbell (a single 50 after 15 tests), rather than try the "recycled failures" Hope and Powell?

Campbell has yet to suggest that he can cut it at the test level while both Hope and Powell have had some modicum of success, if even fleeting, as evidence by them being the most recent immortals from the West Indies.

Let's face it, Campbell appears to be the second coming of Devon Smith!

In reply to jacksprat

Were his partnerships failures? He has not lit the world on fire but, I would stay with Campbell/Brathwaite combo for now. Chop and change will not cut it.
I would bite the bullet and play Hope at three.
Campbell is better than Devon Smith. Why not play Bravo or Ambris?

In reply to buds

You are really clutching at straws when you mention Ambris as a test batsman. Just out of curiosity, based on what we have seen like stepping on his wicket twice and closing his bat face, kindly tell us why you think he can cut it at this level.