Samuels sends strong reminder

NAIN: Marlon Samuels reminded the West Indies selection panel of his batting credentials yesterday, when he hit a polished hundred to put Jamaica in control of their 10th round match in the Carib Beer Series against Windward Islands. The 24-year-old Samuels, who has promised much, but delivered very little in a chequered career, was undefeated on 130 that lifted the new Carib Beer League champions to a formidable 385 for four, replying to the Windwards’ first innings total of 212, on the second day at the Alpart Sports Club.

Clearly upset that he was not chosen in a West Indies 22-member squad to prepare for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Pakistan, Samuels set out to show Joey Carew and company that they had erred in their judgement about his form and quality. Samuels hit just nine fours from 250 balls in close to five hours of batting to lead a solid Jamaica batting performance in which embattled West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle hit 88, and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh, Jr, was unbeaten on 76.