Powell eyeing longest format despite
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Big-hitting all-rounder Rovman Powell is hoping to avoid being pigeon-holed as a limited-overs specialist, and make a successful transition to the game’s longest form.
So far, the 23-year-old has managed only to showcase his skills in the game’s shortest format where he has proved a revelation, but believes he possesses the skills to also play Tests.
“I’m a lover of cricket and certainly always wanted to play Test cricket for West Indies growing up,” the Jamaican said.
“So far, I’ve been selected in the limited-overs formats, so I hope to use it as a stepping stone to eventually playing Tests and, of course, help the team achieve the World Cup qualification objective.”
Powell is part of the 13-man squad selected to face touring England in three One-Day Internationals starting here today.
He is one of the rookies in the squad, having made his international debut in the Tri-Nation Series in Zimbabwe last November, but was also part of the squad for the preceding limited-overs series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Powell said though he did not break into the team in the UAE, the experience of being in the senior ranks had been a useful one.
“As a young player, experiencing what it’s like to be around the senior West Indies team was an eye-opener,” he explained.
“We have a lot of talented youngsters and if we can grow together, I believe we all have great futures ahead of us for the West Indies team.”
Powell, a powerful lower order right-hander and a steady seamer, has played only four ODIs and is one of several young players in the squad along with the likes of Shai Hope, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis and Alzarri Joseph, all of whom have had limited taste of international competition.
But even without the presence of senior cricketers around, Powell believes he can still flourish and continue developing.
“I’m not too worried about whether the team is made up of seniors or youngsters or what composition,” he said.
“All I can do, if the selectors pick me again, is continue improving and translating my domestic form onto the international stage.”
