Bridgetown, Barbados – Marlon Samuels played with great determination to make 78 not out on Thursday but the West Indies fell for 190 – 11 short on first innings on the third day of the Second Digicel Test match against India. The visitors will resume Friday on 23-0.
The stylish 30-year-old right-hander, who was on 21 not out when play started on Thursday, faced 172 balls and hit eight boundaries. He tried to hold his team’s first innings together on another rain-affected day at Kensington Oval. Speaking after Thursday’s play, Samuels said his aim was to get a century and carry the West Indies to first innings lead.
"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."
He added: "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."
With two days left to play, Samuels noted that the match is still wide open.
"It’s difficult to say what the weather will do, it’s very unpredictable. 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."
First ball on Friday is 9.30 am (8.30 am Jamaica Time).