(SPORTSMAX) Out-of-favour batsman Kieran Powell has confirmed that he is once again eligible for selection to the West Indies team after a year out of the game and an unsuccessful stint in baseball.Mystery still surrounds the circumstances that led to a rift between the St Kitts and Nevis native and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) but the 26-year-old, once thought to be one of the region’s hottest prospects, has not suited up for the team since 2014.
In-between the player has attempted a career in baseball, but, partially due to West Indies coach Phil Simmons, he insists his focus is now back on cricket.
“Obviously cricket has always been my first love. It’s something that comes naturally to me and I’m really good at it,” he told Press Association Sport.
“That’s why I’m back playing first-class cricket. I’m fully ready whenever they (West Indies) need me. Phil Simmons wanted me to play the games, to make myself eligible for selection. I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain.”
Powell officially made his return to the game last month with an appearance for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL), an occasion highlighted by a stroke-filled half-century.
The batsman has made 50 appearances for the Windies across all formats including three centuries in 21 matches. Two of those tons came in one game against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2012.