COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) — Middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels says he is anxious to put bat to ball when the Test series between West Indies and Sri Lanka begin in earnest next Wednesday.

Samuels, a senior member of the regional side, says he is also eager to step-up to leading roles for his team in their two match Test series against the Sri Lankans.

Both sides are showcasing a number of young players who will play in the first test at the Galle International Stadium (October 14-18) in the coastal town of Galle; and the P Sara Oval (October 22-26) in the capital, Colombo.

“I can’t wait to get out into the middle and play some game. I have been in the nets but you know how it goes. Batting in the nets for me is just about hitting balls and keeping my form steady,” said Samuels.

“But going out in the middle and getting the job done that’s where it matters the most. So the form has been good. I am going into this series not really overconfident but confident and looking forward to playing a major role to help the team as much as possible.”

The start of a three-day practice match between West Indies and a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s X1 has been pushed back from yesterday to today because of bad weather in Colombo.

In fact, West Indies who arrived in Sri Lanka last week, have been forced to practise indoors because of sporadic showers in Colombo.

Nonetheless, Samuels says he is satisfied with preparation and is looking forward to the practice match.

“The warm-up has been going good. Rain here and there. But this is Sri Lanka you can’t do anything about that. But preparation has been wonderful,” said Samuels.

“We are looking forward to getting some match time in this three-day game and hopefully some of the guys can get some runs and get some wickets and bring their lovely form into the real thing.”