Strategized India's game, says Powell

BANGALORE: Opening the innings is no joke and Baba Aparajith knows that well. Handed an opportunity on Thursday in the absence of Unmukt Chand, the Tamil Nadu allrounder showed what he is capable of. Although India 'A' lost the match and the series to West Indies 'A', the 19-year-old proved a point with a fine 96-ball 78.
"I wanted to be myself," said Aparajith."I was nervous in the beginning but things got better as the session wore on."
Aparajith, who batted with Yuvraj Singh for the first time and with whom he shared a 112-run stand for the third wicket, said he was thrilled. "It was a nice experience for me. This was the first time I was playing with Yuvraj. He made my innings easier. I just had to get a single and get to the other side. He was striking the ball well and looking for fours and sixes because he was cramping a bit," he said.
Meanwhile, an elated West Indian skipper Kieran Powell said executing the strategy was the key in their series triumph. "After the first game, we watched the Indians and strategized around their game. We then executed it well," he said at the post-match press conference.
Powell said Kirk Edwards played a crucial role. "Edwards gave himself a chance and played deep into the innings. That is what the team needed and he got it," he said.
Powell said his team's trip to India would augur well for West Indian cricket. "A lot of new players have come to India for the first time. The conditions in India are different and it is a different experience. The bowlers have bowled well and the batters have batted well."