Powell hits topscore 45 in trial

NEW Trinidad and Tobago recruit Ricardo Powell smashed a typical quick-fire  45 in his first knock at the second trial match at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva,  yesterday. Powell who only Wednesday got the all clear to play for his adopted country  in next year’s Carib Beer series, hit six fours and one six before being run out, in Shazam Babwah’s XI total of 154 all out against the Imran Jan XI. By the close of  the first day Jan’s XI had replied with 100 for three wickets,  a deficit of 54 runs. Powell who was born in Jamaica and previously played all his cricket there, decided to move to Trinidad nine months ago with his Trinidadian wife with whom he has set up a small business in Woodbrook.

He revealed to Newsday that he was expecting his first child and that was the reason behind him staying in Westmoorings and playing cricket here. When Powell walked to the wicket yesterday every one at the ground were glued to the action, as team manager Omar Khan had commented  he just cannot walk into the team without showing his worth. He began cautiously and soon had the few fans present very excited with his stroke play. While at the crease Powell received good support from Earnil Ryan 34 and skipper Babwah 25.

However the fast improving medium pacer Dwayne Bravo proved troublesome to all batsmen finishing with four wickets for 35 runs and off-spinner Rodney Sooklal took two for 27. Babwah’s XI struck back in late afternoon reducing Jan’s XI to 45 for three wickets before  the immensely talented Aneil Kanhai 32 not out and Kenton Thompson 32 not out trallied the innings with an unbeaten 55-run fourth-wicket stand at stumps. Play on the second day resumes at 10.30 am. Summarised scores: BABWAH’S XI 154 - R Powell 45, E Ryan 34, S Babwah 25, D Bravo 4/35, R Sooklal 2/27 vs JAN’S XI 100/3 - A Kanhai 32 not out, K Thompson 32 not out.