Samuels lashes double hundred
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):
Marlon Samuels lashed a double century on the final day of a two-day practice match here yesterday, to warm up for the opening Test against Pakistan later this week.
The right-hander hit a brilliant 213 retired as an Invitational XI, responding to a West Indies XI's 310 for five declared, reached 398 for eight at the Demerara Cricket Club.
Samuels was subsequently named in a 13-man squad late yesterday for the first Test, starting at the National Stadium at Providence on Thursday.
He strode to the wicket at number three after opener Kraigg Brathwaite fell lbw to speedster Kemar Roach (4) early in the morning with the score on four for one, and proceeded to dominate.
Samuels, who struggled for runs during the just concluded one-day international (ODI) series, smashed 27 fours and 12 stunning sixes in an innings that required just 165 balls.
He shared a 189-run stand for the second wicket with opener Chris Barnwell, whose 66 came from 81 balls and included 12 fours and a six.
failed
Captain Brendan Nash got 31, but Ramnaresh Sarwan failed with 18, falling to Roach, who captured two for 68.
Darren Sammy, who skippered the West Indies XI, finished with three for 64, including the scalp of Nash.
Twenty-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble chipped in with an unbeaten 43 down the order.
- See West Indies squad announcement.