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KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC:
JAMAICA FAST bowler Daren Powell lost his job in South Africa because he was not living up to expectations, but he is committed to doing well in the upcoming Carib Beer 2004 Cricket Series.
Reports coming out of South Africa indicate that Powell, who has played four Tests for West Indies, was fired after less than two months on the job with the Highveld Strikers (Gauteng) in Johannesburg and also struggled with his fitness.
"Powell was struggling to fit in with the demanding Strikers set-up, and has not been pulling his weight since joining us in October," Gauteng Cricket Board boss Alan Kourie said.
In his two matches, Powell was the Strikers' second best bowler behind Garnett Kruger with seven wickets at 39.28 apiece with a best of four for 125.
The Strikers had initially signed Indian veteran Javagal Srinath as their overseas professional, but a niggling knee injury ruled him out.
Meanwhile, Powell, who returned to Jamaica on Wednesday night to prepare for the Carib Beer Series, is eagerly looking forward to representing Jamaica in the competition.
"I am back home and looking forward to representing Jamaica once again, performing well and working my way back into contention for the West Indies team," he said.
Powell was named last week in Jamaica's 16 for the Carib Beer Series and has allayed fears that a back strain he sustained in South Africa could affect him in the coming season.
"I expect to be okay," he said. "I have played a couple of one-day matches since the injury and although I felt a little discomfort, I've been doing remedial and strength work and I expect to work my way back to full fitness by the start of the tournament," he added.
Powell was full of praise for the facilities he came across in South Africa and methods used to rejuvenate fast bowlers during and after matches.
