l ST JOHN'S

Left-hander Kieron Powell has credited the West Indies High Performance Centre (HPC) for transforming his game, after scoring his maiden Test century here Friday.

"The time at the Sagicor HPC has totally changed my game. It has been a massive boost to my cricket. It has helped me with both the technical side and mental side of my game," said the 22-year-old, who stroked a superb 134 against New Zealand on the third day of the opening Test.

"It has helped to refine my game and overall I am now a calmer person. A lot of things I developed there I put into place and I was able to assess the situation and go about the business of building an innings."

Powell was involved in a brilliant opening stand of 254 with fellow left-hander Chris Gayle who blasted 150.

He counted 22 fours and one six in an innings spanning six hours and 288 balls before being second out as the Windies finished the day on 442 for six at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

Powell, who entered the HPC in 2010 and made his Test debut last year against India at Windsor Park in Dominica, said the time in the academy had enhanced his composure.

"There was a time I used to go in and look to play all the shots and see how many I could get [but] all that has changed now. I'm more settled and aware of my role," Powell explained.

"I look back at the time I spent at the Sagicor HPC and realise the changes I made in my game. I can truly say I learned a lot in the two years there and I will look to kick on and get bigger scores for the West Indies."

Friday's century was his third in as many months following on from his 108 for West Indies against England Lions in early May on the tour of England and his sparkling 139 for West Indies A against India A last month.

Resuming the day on 58, Powell played positively to reach three figures, bringing up his landmark with a pulled boundary off seamer Neil Wagner.

"Obviously I'm delighted to get my first Test century. I felt I played really well and when I saw the ball going to the boundary I couldn't help but jump for joy. It felt really good and it's a moment to cherish. To get 100 runs in a Test match is something special," he said.

"I felt confident throughout my innings and I knew I was hitting the ball very well. I have worked on my shot selection and I was happy with the way my bat was coming down and my ability to hit the ball down the ground.

"I hit three fours in the over I got out…I won't say I was carried away, I think I chose the wrong ball to hit at that stage."

—CMC