Determined Samuels Says It's 'Game On' Now

Determined Samuels Says It's 'Game On' Now

Marlon Samuels is determined to score big runs for the West Indies following his latest recall

©REUTERS / Action Images

West Indian batsman Marlon Samuels ran out of partners as he chased an elusive third Test century on the third day of the second Test against India in Barbados.

He was eventually unbeaten on 78 when his side were dismissed for 190 in reply to India's 201 but he remains upbeat about his side's chances of levelling the three-match series.

"It’s difficult to say what the weather will do, it’s very unpredictable," he said. "We did very well to bowl them out for 200, we didn’t pass their total and they’ve got a lead of 30 something now, but I guess it’s game on now because it's a low scoring game."

And Samuels, who faced 172 balls - 30 of which he needed to get off the mark - admitted that he had been targetting a century having been recalled for this match.

"My job was to bat long out there and look to spend a lot of time at the crease, while at the same time accumulating runs for the team. Since my return to the team, I would say I have a better mindset towards Test cricket.

"I spent about 30 balls before I got off the mark, but that was not a major problem for me, as Test cricket is about time and patience. I was determined to get a big score.
 
"It is a tough wicket to bat on. You’re never totally in. I wanted to get a hundred and then express myself. I’m very focused on my game at the moment. As long as I get an opportunity I want to take itwith both hands. I want to make every innings count. I set high standards.

"I want the world to see that I can score hundreds and double-hundreds. Wherever my team wants me to bat in the order I am willing to do that role."

Samuels previous three-figure scores came against India in 2004, when he scored 104, and against South Africa in 2008, when he scored 105.

© Cricket World 2011