Debasis Sen, Kingston(Jamaica): West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels has rubbished retirement plans ahead of the second test match against India at the Sabina Park. The Jamaican is eager to do well in front of his home crowd. Samuels test form has been poor before the last innings he played against India. He went on to score a half century but it was in the losing cause.
“You make a half-century, it’s a milestone. You have to cherish it, but at the end of the day I always want more. I haven’t been getting the runs that I’m looking for in the Test arena, but I’ve been making up in the shorter versions, so it augurs well that I’m doing well for the team as well in the next versions. It’s just, I need to start focusing more and putting in some big performances, so the team can benefit from it.”
On being asked about his thoughts of playing in front his teammates, he commented, “It’s a great opportunity for me. Not too many sportsmen get to play in front of their home crowd. I think I’ve got the opportunity more than one time, so I cherish it – playing in front of a Jamaican crowd. As I said, it’s a great opportunity, not only for me, but for the team to make a turnaround and come here and play some positive cricket and put up not just a challenge but a fight.”
As a senior batsman he has to take a lot of responsibility. Whether it is extra pressure on him, Samuels said, “To be honest, it’s a lot of pressure. I’m not going to tell you that there’s not a great deal of pressure, because I not only have to stand up and score a fifty or a hundred, I have to actually bat through the innings, because I’m playing a role where I’m batting at four. I have to dominate and know, when we lose a wicket that I need to tone it down. Sometimes I like to, if I’m on the go, just continue to go, but the responsibility is great, so I have to change. But nevertheless, whenever I get the opportunity to talk in a team meeting, trying to just encourage the younger players to go out there… we need to look at not just senior players doing their job, but for them [youngsters] to come and do the job as well. At the end of the day, they’re going to be the senior players as well.”
On the personal front he wants to make this test special playing in front of his home crowd.
“Yeah, definitely. But, the most important thing is to win in front of your home crowd and playing in a unit, and that’s the ultimate goal for me. Personal achievement is definitely coming out here and showing my Jamaican people what they have been seeing over the years – me coming out here, playing shots and just enjoying myself in the middle and I’m sure that will make a lot of people happy as well.”
West Indies are 0-1 down in the series after being comprehensively beaten in the Antigua test. On being asked whether this team has the character to bounce back, Samuels said, “Yes, West Indies more than have it in them. They have pride, and as I said, it’s a job. If you don’t do your job well, you’re not going to be around here.”
He feels Alzarri Joseph should make his debut considering he is fast and fearless. “When are you going to play him, at 25? He’s 19 now, it’s the best time to just let him go and enjoy himself and express himself.,” said Samuels.
Lastly he rubbished all the speculation surrounding his retirement from test cricket. It was due to a comment from former wicket keeper batsman Jeffrey Dujon. He commented, “Jeffrey Dujon can say anything. But what I say is, I’m here to focus on the Test series and put my best foot forward, and make a significant contribution, so that, whatever I do, the team can benefit from it. That’s my ultimate goal and that’s my focus at the moment.”