… Windies face Ireland in first T20 today
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels says he is eagerly looking forward to his return to international cricket after injury forced him out of the New Zealand tour last December.
Samuels is back in the West Indies setup as they prepare to play minnows Ireland in a two-match twenty20 International series at Sabina Park starting today.The 33-year-old has been recuperating from a minor surgery on his wrist.
“The intention is to make a positive return, as since the operation I have been putting in a lot of work,” said Samuels, following the team’s first training session since arriving in Jamaica on Sunday.
“I have been in the nets batting and have been hitting the ball fairly well, so the hope is that everything will remain the same throughout the series.”
Samuels, whose last game was against New Zealand last December, is set to form the core of West Indies’ batting line-up along with opener Chris Gayle, who is also returning from injury.
The big-hitting Gayle has been carrying a hamstring injury since last November and, along with Samuels, was recently passed fit to resume duties.
“It is always a joy playing in front of your home crowd and I know the guys are up and ready to compete,” Samuels said.
“Ireland may not be a super power in cricket, but it is Twenty20, and given the nature of the format, it is here that they are more than likely to upset big teams. It means, therefore, that we will need to buckle down and play the cricket that we know”.
The Twenty20 series, which will have its final game on Friday, will be followed by a lone one-day international at the Sabina Park on Sunday.