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).
“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
Bang! Bang! Watch out for the Windies y’all.