Samuels eyes strong return after ban
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) — Marlon Samuels is eyeing a return to West Indies colours once he finishes a two-year ban for links to an Indian bookie.
Samuels was found guilty of sharing team information with Mukesh Kochar prior to a One-day International against India in Nagpur on January 21, 2008.
The Jamaican’s ban expires on May 9 next year, and he hopes to add to his 29 Tests and 107 ODIs.
He added: “Most definitely my intention is to return to the West Indies team,” he told website Cricinfo. “I have trained very hard and been very disciplined while I have been out of the game. The two years will be over soon.
“I want to bat number four for West Indies. I am very much looking forward to batting again with guys like Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan. I think I could have a positive impact.”
He added: “It’s always hard to see your team lose. I’m a West Indian and that will always be my team. I hope Chris Gayle will pick up his troops and take them to bigger and better things.
“I watch a lot of games and a lot of tapes. It has been very frustrating sitting and watching cricket all this time, but I am hoping to come back better than before. I will definitely come back with a stronger frame of mind.”
Reflecting on the original case, Samuels said: “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but it really has been one man against the World.
“An appeal would not have worked. I had a lot of telephone conversations with all kinds of people, and they told me an appeal would be a waste of time.”
He noted: “There have been past players come out and say things about me when they have done the same things themselves. The entire world has seen my case and know that I am innocent.”
Chairman of West Indies selectors Clyde Butts feels there is a place for Samuels in the Caribbean side’s line-up, as he looked ahead to Test series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
“Once Marlon’s suspension is over and he’s playing cricket again, he will be considered,” he said.
“Of course, the performances have to be there. When Marlon was suspended, he was just starting to score a lot of runs, and looked the part. He’s someone who could strengthen the middle order and he also offers part-time off-spin.”
