Samuels eager to take new found confidence into tests series

BENONI, South Africa, CMC West Indies Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels says he has found renewed confidence approaching the start of the first test match against South Africa which begins on Wednesday.

Samuels powered his way to a double century to lift West Indies to a mammoth 508 in their first innings against a South African Invitational X1 on the second day of their three-day tour match at Willowmoore Park yesterday.

“I basically paced myself… am confident… I have been batting very well and I used that momentum to bring me into this game,” said the stylish right-hander.

“I am just enjoying batting at the moment and putting some good scores on the board and helping out my team as much as possible”.

Samuels added 360 for the third wicket with left-hander Devon Smith who was equally fluent in making a polished 174.

This helped West Indies to a first innings lead of 383.

The Jamaican batsman has praised West Indies all-round cricket as encouraging ahead of the first test and also credits the bowlers for the Windies’ impressive showing including Sheldon Cottrell who grabbed five wickets in six overs.

“The positive thing about it is that Devon Smith made a hundred and seventy something retired as well and Sheldon Cottrell got five wickets and all the bowlers chipped in a bowled very well so the allround cricket is looking very good at the moment going into the first test match”.

At the close of the second day, South African Invitational, who scored 125 in their first innings, were 17 without loss. “I am really looking forward to the test match,” said Samuels.

“Last time I was here I scored a lot of runs and I hope I can repeat that last trip to South Africa”.