Powell nudges selectors

GROS ISLET – Left-handed opener Kieran Powell put himself in the selection mix for the South Africa Tour of the Caribbean, when he narrowly missed out on a hundred on day three of the four-day West Indies intra-squad match on Wednesday.

Powell, who played the last of his 40 Tests three years ago, was dismissed for 95, as Jahmar Hamilton’s XI ended the day on 218 for four in pursuit of 311 for victory at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground.

Powell, 31, faced 175 deliveries in close to four hours and stroked 11 fours and a six, before falling late in the final session with triple figures beckoning, skying a drive at off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall and being caught at short cover.

Test discard Shamarh Brooks wasted a start with 39, while left-handed opener Shayne Moseley gathered 36 and all-rounder Raymon Reifer ended the day on 22 not out.

Shai Hope had earlier added only two to his overnight 104, as Jermaine Blackwood’s XI, on 197 for three overnight, lost their last seven wickets for 27 to be all out for 224 in their second innings.

Blackwood added only one before perishing for 24, both he and Hope departed within the first four overs of the day.

Left-hander John Campbell, unable to open because of injury, arrived at No.6, but made only two to further imperil his chances of selection for the forthcoming Tests against the Proteas, while wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva also fell cheaply for three.

Impressive 19-year-old seamer Jayden Seales added another two wickets to his tally to finish with four for 40, while left-arm pacers Reifer and Preston McSween claimed two wickets apiece.

(CMC)