Gros Islet, St Lucia — Opening batsman Kieran Powell showed his class on Sunday with a brilliant century as West Indies A took the upperhand over India A on the second day of the third four-day Digicel ‘Test’.

The tall left-hander was made a well-compiled 139 as the home side closed on 320 runs for eight wickets — an overall lead of 90 runs with two days left at Beausejour Cricket Ground. He was out late in the day, caught and bowled as he tried to pull pacer Shami Ahmed.

Powell, who made his third first-class century and highest score of his career, said he was happy with the way he played, especially judgment against both pace and spin and use of his feet. He was however not thrilled that he was dismissed with just three overs left before the close of play.

“Before the match I said I wanted to spend as much time as I could at the crease and try to work at a few things that I’ve put in place with the coaches. Coming out of the tour of England I noticed a few things in my technique which I wanted to iron out, so I was happy I got a lot of time in the middle in this innings. That was the most important thing for me,” the 22-year-old said after the day’s play.

“The runs were a bonus, and to get my highest first-class has put a smile on my face. I was able to settle down and play at my pace. My movements, both back and forward, as well as the way I played against the spinners have given me confidence. I had to battle really hard for my runs. The Indians did not give us any easy runs. We are now in a good position where we can push for a result so we will come back tomorrow and look to stay on top of the game.”

Powell counted 10 fours all around the wicket and three straight sixes which all came off the spinners. He faced 256 balls in 6 ¾ hours at the crease. He shared two very good partnerships – 67 for the fifth wicket with Donovan Pagon, who made 30 and 79 for the sixth wicket with wicket-keeper Devon Thomas, who made 50 with two massive sixes.

Powell added: “I was looking to bat through the innings, so I actually wasn’t too happy that I got out just before the close. I felt I could go on for much longer, I wanted to come back tomorrow and push the team ahead. That’s the one disappointing thing for me.”