Samuels settled and ready to deliver

[WIndiesFans.com]

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Marlon Samuels was brilliant with both bat and ball as the West Indies easily defeated the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI in their T20 warm-up match in Fatullah on Sunday. According to the allrounder the performance was the ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 International against Bangladesh on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. First ball is 5 pm (7 am Eastern Caribbean Time/6 am Jamaica Time).

“I played really well and that has really given me the confidence. I hit the ball nicely and I was able to find the gaps, so for me that was quite satisfying. I played some good shots but I also batted smartly and that was the key. We have a big match coming up on Tuesday and from there the One-Day matches and the Test matches. I feel ready to take on the Bangladesh bowlers. That will be the big test,” Samuels said.

“There is competition when you are playing against any team and that’s why we have come out here to play hard cricket because we want to continue with the winning streak. We are confident and feeling ready. We are not taking anybody for granted.”

Samuels played a number of stunning strokes in his 102 not out off 56 balls, which included 15 fours and three sixes. He returned with his off-spin to take two wickets for 18 runs off four overs as the Windies won by 75 runs.

He said: “I have a very good coach back in Jamaica who used to tell me that once you have a good technique you don’t need to worry about the format of cricket as it (technique) will pull you through. I love batting in Test cricket but I also enjoy the other formats of the game as well.”

The 30-year-old, who was recently cleared by the International Cricket Council to resume bowling in international cricket, said he is delighted to have the ball in his hand again.

“I am also very happy that I am doing well with the ball. Now that I am able to bowl again I feel complete. That is one part of the game that gives me a great deal of confidence. I always like to be fully involved in the game . I wanted to get back my bowling and once I got that back it really boosted my game.

“There were ups and downs but now I am trying to put them behind and move forward. I have been given the opportunity to play consistently for the team which I always wanted and you will see the best of me.”

Upcoming matches

October 11: Twenty20 International at Dhaka

October 13: 1st ODI at Dhaka 

October 15: 2nd ODI at Dhaka

October 18: 3rd ODI at Chittagong

October 21-25: 1st Test at Chittagong

October 29-November 3: 2nd Test at Dhaka

 

Venues:

Dhaka – She-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

Chittagong – Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
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[ntini77]

I'm still unconvinced by Samuels.

He has no trouble taking bowling attacks apart in our domestic league and against the likes of Bangladesh, yet seemingly struggles against quality opposition.

Since his return, an average of just over 26 (ODI) is nothing to write home about.

[BallOil]

I'm still unconvinced by Samuels.

He has no trouble taking bowling attacks apart in our domestic league and against the likes of Bangladesh, yet seemingly struggles against quality opposition.

Since his return, an average of just over 26 (ODI) is nothing to write home about.

I have to agree with you on Samuels... WE need to see Samuels step up his game and raise those averages as he supposed to be better than that.. He should consider himself lucky to be on this team with stats like that when we have Shiv with 40+ can't get a game.

[BallOil]

Actually, Marlon overall ODI stats below..

Batting ....

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St
ODIs 117 108 18 2698 108* 29.97 3626 74.40 2 19 265 45 31 0

What is missing from these numbers are more tons ... Marlon's conversion rate is pathetic for a top 5 batsman... He was able to ONLY carry on twice to tripe digits from 21 scores over 50 from 108 innings

[ntini77]

His average since his return is 26 with a s/rate of just 61.

[BallOil]

His average since his return is 26 with a s/rate of just 61.

so its below his overall record, not to mentioned all his returned matches played a home.. Let's hope he gets on with it...

[AFRO]

Have you lot forgotten that the man was out of the game for over a year? he just come back man!!, since then he's played two T20 competitions, a four day competition and has then gone straight back into international cricket, against Pak he played the one day matches and then missed the first Test, in the secon Test he came in and got a decent 50,

Then in the India series he done ok in the ODI series, got a 50 and a 28 not out, missed the first Test again (which we lost) and then came back for the second Test where he got a wonderful 78 not out knock, in the third Test he didn't do so well but i wouldn't hold that against him, especially as he was robbed with one of the decisions,

Then he went to England for the t20 games, no-one did good for us in the first game but he played a big role in the second game by getting 35 not out, does anyone see the pattern? every two games he puts plays an important knock, and the more he plays the better he will get imo,

In closing i think his bowling will be vital for us, only having four bowlers can be dangerous as we found out against India in the third Test when Rampaul got injured, but now we can actually have spin operating from both ends which will only help the team and Bishoo in the long run imo.

[BallOil]

Afro, 117+ ODIs is not a big enough sample to come to a conclusion bout Samuels? Rass mon!

[Silvamaine]

I've always been a fan of the ability Marlon Samuels has posessed. His fluent stroke-making grace is something i've only witnessed to have come out the Caribbean on three occasions since the early 70s, the other two were Carl Hooper and Lawrence Rowe.

The one thing that has caused Samuels to under-achieve the way he has is between the ears. His patience, temperament and discipline, has been his downfall over the years and i just hope that he's at the stage of his career, that he can show the maturity to build from his positive return since his ban. With the current batting line-up appearing to be the side of West Indies cricket, that is struggling at the moment, we need him more than ever. Good luck Marlon, so long may it continue.

[BallOil]

I've always been a fan of the ability Marlon Samuels has posessed. His fluent stroke-making grace is something i've only witnessed to have come out the Caribbean on three occasions since the early 70s, the other two were Carl Hooper and Lawrence Rowe.

The one thing that has caused Samuels to under-achieve the way he has is between the ears. His patience, temperament and discipline, has been his downfall over the years and i just hope that he's at the stage of his career, that he can show the maturity to build from his positive return since his ban. With the current batting line-up appearing to be the side of West Indies cricket, that is struggling at the moment, we need him more than ever. Good luck Marlon, so long may it continue.

Don't fall for style over substance... Marlon might be a good player to watch when he is going but that usually doesn't happen often or not often enough.. As ntini77 pointed out...the stats are not in good standings..