ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Opener Kieran Powell has defended West Indies’ lack of aggression in their first innings, on the third day of the third Test against Pakistan here yesterday.
The experienced left-hander said the pitch was not one where batsmen could dominate, stressing that staying patient and capitalizing on scoring opportunities was the approach required if West Indies were to get close to Pakistan’s 376.
The hosts closed on 218 for five from 100 overs and require a further 158 to overhaul their target.
“It’s one of those pitches where you can’t necessarily force the issue, we even saw that when Pakistan batted,” he explained.
“It’s not like if it was just us who had it difficult to score. Pakistan batted [146] overs for their [376] runs so we know the nature of the pitch. It’s not like if we can just come and dictate. Obviously as the game goes on with more wear and tear, the pitch is going to become even more difficult to score.
“We just have to keep backing ourselves – the batters in and the batters to come. [We] obviously have to try and score as much as possible when given the opportunity but without trying to force the issue on this pitch.” Roston Chase top-scored with 60 before retiring hurt while Powell chipped in with 31 and Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope, 29 apiece, as the Windies lost wickets at critical stages to lose momentum.
Powell, resuming the day on nine, spent 82 balls at the crease and struck two fours before gifting his wicket soon after the first hour of the day’s play.
With starts of 39, 39, 38 and six in the previous two Tests, Powell said he was now frustrated at being unable to convert promising innings into major scores. “What is quite frustrating is that four of the five innings I’ve had so far [in the series] I’ve had perfect starts to go on and get big scores,” he pointed out.
“So I’m looking at it in a sense that I’m very frustrated with my performance and my dismissals to date because I’m looking at the series and thinking I should probably be the leading run-scorer in the series so far but I haven’t been able to kick on yet. “But I’m still working hard, still working hard on all areas so hopefully in the next innings I can come good and hopefully given another chance, in another series.”
