Powell buoyed by progress

West Indies opener Kieran Powell believes he is doing all he can to cement a regular place in the Test side following his century on day one of the series against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

The left-hander endured a difficult start to his Test career, after making his debut against India in July 2011, but has recorded two centuries in his last three appearances.

With Chris Gayle having recently returned to the fold, competition for places in the top order are as fierce as ever but Powell further enhanced his reputation with 117 as West Indies closed day one on 361-4.

"I can't say if I am going ahead of anyone, you will have to ask the selectors," said Powell.

"All I could say is that I am trying to strengthen my case for a place in the team each and every day we play."

He added: "The more runs I score, the easier it will be for me. I just try to control what I can control.

"I was planning on scoring a hundred in this series, which I have now achieved. I will have to reassess my goals for the series and see what else I can achieve."

Powell added 125 for the fourth wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the junior partner believes batting with experienced players such as his fellow left-hander can only advance his development.

He said: "Batting with any senior player is easy. Shiv has got lots of experience. He has played 145 Tests, so he takes the pressure off you and allows you to play your game.

"He constantly reminded me to be patient, stay positive, rotate the strike, put away the bad balls and play straight ? reinforcing the basics."

Chanderpaul ended the day on 123 not out and Powell believes the tourists are on target to post an imposing first innings total.

"I think we won this day," Powell stated. "Two of us got hundreds, 350-plus runs on the board, only four wickets down, I think we are in a commanding position to press on for an impregnable total.

"Generally, we look at 400 in the first innings, but 500 runs plus would be an excellent first innings total for us."