HOVE, England (CMC) — Batsman Marlon Samuels is expected to finally link up with the West Indies touring party today.

The Jamaican has been one of three players yet to join the squad which arrived here last Wednesday, with batsmen Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin still stuck in Jamaica waiting on United Kingdom visas.

CMC Sports understands, however, that Samuels will join his teammates in Northampton where West Indies are due to play their second tour match, a four-day fixture against England Lions, starting Thursday.

West Indies are due to leave for Northampton this morning.

Samuels has been campaigning in the Indian Premier League over the last month but team management had appeared unsure at the weekend over his actual arrival date.

His absence, and that of the two Guyanese left-handers, meant West Indies faced Sussex in the opening three-day match with just 11 available players.

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards sat out the game injured.

The Windies were able to get just 34 overs out of the game as rain wrecked the encounter at the Probiz County Ground.

Only 16 overs were possible on Monday’s last day at the as rain ended play before lunch with West Indies on 90 for three in their first innings.

It has been a bumpy start to the tour for the Windies with wintry weather and the late arrival of players marring their preparation.

The first Test bowls off in 10 days at Lord’s.