Captain surprised at Powell’s withdrawal

Tamar Lambert, the captain of tournament leaders Jamaica, has expressed surprise at experienced fast bowler Daren Powell\'s decision to withdraw from the remainder of the WICB Regional first class season.



Lambert says Powell’s decision surprised the squad. However, he says the team will maintain its push for a third consecutive regional four-day title.



Powell, who takes up a contract with Lancashire in the forthcoming English County season, cited “personal reasons” for the decision, which came after he played just two games.



Overlooked for the first game of the season because of disciplinary issues, Powell has been disappointing in his two games, grabbing a mere two wickets.



Even with Powell’s unflattering returns so far, Lambert said the 31-year-old would be missed.



Powell’s withdrawal has cast a huge shadow over his international career especially after he was dropped from the West Indies side following England’s tour of the Caribbean early last year.



He has managed just 85 wickets from 37 Tests in his international career and with the emergence of young fast bowlers like Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul, could struggle to wear maroon colours again.



Jamaica are now preparing to face third-placed Combined Campuses and Colleges in the fifth round in Guyana from February 12 to 15.



Jamaica lead the standings with 36 points, three ahead of Barbados and 12 in front of Combined Campuses and Colleges, who have both played one game more.