Russell criticises Samuels' behaviour after World T20 win

West Indies' star all-rounder Andre Russell said on Monday that it wasn't good on the part of compatriot Marlon Samuels to put his padded legs on the table, during the entire press conference, as he replied to the questions of the mediapersons after the World Twenty20 win.

Samuels struck an unbeaten 85 to steer West Indies to victory over England in the World T20 final recently to bag their second World title. Samuels, who was named the man-of-the-match, addressed the media in a carefree style.

"A lot of people ask me if he (Samuels) is from Jamaica. He is from Jamaica but he is a different Jamaican. He is a confident fellow. He has won the World T20 twice, as you know after winning the World T20. He played a tremendous knock against Sri Lanka in 2012 and he had done it again in the final against England this year," Russell said at the launch of Sansui's new premium television series here.

"I heard that when he went inside the post match press conference, he did put his foot up. I don't know how to explain that but it wasn't good. But at the same time, being a world champion for me was a very good feeling. Cricket continues and goes on. I did celebrate for a week and then that's it, then came back to IPL as it all started. That was hilarious from Marlon," the 27-year-old said.

Russell has enjoyed a good run so far in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former champions have won four of their five matches to be at the top of the IPL table with eight points.

"The IPL has been good for us. Can't complain, win four lost one. We want to keep the momentum going and have the winning run going from here as well. Happy to be with the team, wonderful environment. I am relaxed, composed. Don't want to be too excited and then not do well after that. We want to play positive and want to go step by step and win the title," Russell said.

Veteran Australian spinner Brad Hogg, Russell's teammate at KKR, praised West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, after the latter returned to action in the IPL after changing his bowling action.

"Sunil did really work hard on his action. A lot of respect goes to Sunil. He has been really put under fire. I don't want to be too liberal on it. He has rectified and got a fantastic action now. He is now very hard to pick. I am very pleased with what Sunil has done, the way he has approached it and comeback into the game and I hope he comes back to international cricket as well," Hogg said.

--IANS

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