Powell boost for Trinidad and Tobago

Ricardo Powell, the West Indies batsman, has been confirmed to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the Stanford 20/20 tournament in Antigua after recovering from injury and a self-imposed break from the game.

Powell, 27, migrated from Jamaica to T&T a few years ago and made his twin-island debut in early 2004. With 109 one-day internationals and two Tests for West Indies under his belt, the hard-hitting Powell has been expected to add some explosives to the T&T batting order.

Though Powell made just 17 in the first of T&T's two practice matches against St Lucia on Saturday, his side won by 64 runs. T&T play their first match on July 25 against the Cayman Islands.

Meanwhile, in Guyana, Shivnarine Chanderpaul has pulled out of his regional team. According to the Guyana Cricket Board, no reason was given for the former West Indies captain's withdrawal. Orin Forde, an allrounder with Under-19 experience, has been tipped to replace him.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the West Indies vice-captain, has been appointed captain of Guyana and is expected to join the team today. His team will play Montserrat in their opening game on July 21.