MARLON SAMUELS never seems to be out of the limelight.

Whether he's playing or has been left out, or explaining himself to authorities over match fixing, he just can't seem to settle on the business of playing cricket.

Undoubtedly an extremely talented batsman, Samuels has not done justice to the faith that has been put in him and, to be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing more of that being done.

However, Samuels needs to ensure that he, too, gives himself all the chances in the world to achieve his potential.

His latest 'bad move' - because there have been a few - was to claim that coach David Moore and his predecessor Bennett King have been discriminating against him.

Conclusion

The statement defies logic. A leaked letter from Samuels to West Indies cricket team manager Mike Findlay explains how the batting all-rounder came to his conclusion.

One example, Samuels cites, is the fact that in England he hasn't been given enough net practice to get acclimatised to the conditions.

What Samuels hasn't realised, though, is that there was no intention to play him in the third Test.

That being the case, it is quite understandable that he would be given less priority in the nets than other batsmen, even bowlers, who are also expected to play their part when they go out into the middle.

I am not saying that Samuels shouldn't feel hurt, but I am certain that every 12th man or reserve has gone through that slighting, and what he should do is ensure he is not left out of the team again.

If he plays in the one-dayers he should ensure that he spends time at the crease and makes some runs.

His World Cup performance was not so comparatively bad that he doesn't warrant a place in this side, but he should already know that things won't be easy for him, bearing in mind his chequered history with the team.

It is now time for Marlon to start sucking up some of his 'punishments', even if unfair at times, and buckle down to the task of performing.

If he does this, soon enough there won't be any voices saying he should not be a part of West Indies cricket.

We have been waiting for Marlon to grow into the role of a West Indies player and perhaps fill the big shoes of some of the past greats.

He will never do this if he takes the kind of attitude he has. Maybe there is more to the story than Marlon has already revealed.

In the instances when Marlon says this has happened while being a regular member of the team there has to be something said for him.

The young man must be allowed, like anyone else, the opportunity to bat himself into form during practice.

No excuse

Having said that though, Samuels has no excuse when he goes to the crease and show himself in good touch, as he did in the World Cup, then throws his hand away.

Another element of this, the latest in the Samuels saga, is the fact that his letter to the manager was leaked to the media.

I am happy to have heard about it because I am a journalist. However, there are some things that should remain private and the young man never tried to make his plight a public issue but chose, what he thought, and I agree with him, the correct route.

What I am hoping - and I don't think it will happen - is that an investigation into Marlon's allegations takes place, and if there is anything to his claims, then something is done about it.

Thus, the prognosis is two-fold, if the Samuels issues are to end happily. Firstly, Samuels needs to be aware of his precarious position and show some character to earn the trust of those that select him; and secondly, the powers that be in West Indies cricket need to find a way to ensure they do not treat Samuels based on his history but find a way to be objective in their future dealings.