Young Jamaican Test paceman Daren Powell. - DELLMAR PHOTO
BRISBANE, Australia, CMC:
HEARTENED BY his effort on the opening day of the West Indies' four-day match against the Queensland Bulls at Allan Border Field yesterday, Daren Powell intends to keep bowling a full length to batsmen in Australia.
Powell collected four wickets for 58 runs from 14 overs, as West Indies dismissed the hosts for 323 in their first innings.
"From what I've been observing with these Queensland guys, I should maintain more of a fullish length," Powell said.
"I've watched the Australians on television as well, and once you can maintain that length, you will be successful here."
Powell's opening day performance in the visitors' only first-class fixture ahead of the first Test all but assures him of a place in the final 11 for the opening encounter against Ricky Ponting's side at the Gabba.
HAPPY WITH PROGRESS
While acknowledging that there was still much work to be done at personal and team levels, Powell is happy with his progress so far Down Under.
"I felt really good today," he said. "My rhythm was pretty good, and the ball was coming out right. There were just some hiccups in my last couple of overs, but things are starting to look good."
Powell, who made his Test debut against New Zealand at Bridgetown three years ago, brushed aside concerns about a sore hip that prevented him taking the field in the final period against the Bulls. He readily acknowledged the positive impact of Australian fitness trainer Bryce Cavanagh.
"I'm feeling stronger ever since the trainer came," he said. "We have been doing some work on my overall strength, and I'm seeing the results. I'm not looking bulky like some of the other guys, but I'm feeling stronger. After I bowled my third spell, I was still feeling strong, and that is a good sign."
'DON'T WANT TO CHANGE'
Having claimed his first five-wicket haul in a Test innings on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy last July, Powell is keen not to stray from the basics that have brought him success, and a regular place in the West Indies team this year.
"I have a definite area on the pitch that I try to hit," he said. "It has worked on all the pitches that I have bowled on so far. I don't want to change this. I just want to keep up my pace, and I think that will help my improvement in the series ahead."
West Indies were set to go into the second day of the four-day match on Friday (last night - Caribbean time) at 13 without loss with Powell and all the other frontline bowlers hoping they could keep their feet up, as the batsmen take their turn to get runs and confidence as the first Test draws closer.
