Samuels eager to take new found confidence into Test series

Benoni (South Africa), Dec 12 (IANS/CMC) West Indies middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels says he has found renewed confidence approaching the start of the first Test match against South Africa that begins Wednesday.

Samuels powered his way to a double century to lift the West Indies to a mammoth 508 in their first innings against a South African Invitational XI on the second day of their three-day tour match at Willowmoore Park Thursday, reports CMC.

"I basically paced myself... am confident, I have been batting very well and I used that momentum to bring me into this game," said the stylish right-hander.

"I am just enjoying batting at the moment and putting some good scores on the board and helping out my team as much as possible."

Samuels added 360 for the third wicket with left-hander Devon Smith who was equally fluent in making a polished 174.

This helped the West Indies to a first innings lead of 383.

The Jamaican batsman praised the West Indies all-round cricket as encouraging ahead of the first Test and also credited the bowlers for the Windies' impressive showing including Sheldon Cottrell who grabbed five wickets in six overs.

"The positive thing about it is that Devon Smith made a hundred and seventy something retired as well and Sheldon Cottrell got five wickets and all the bowlers chipped in a bowled very well so the all-round cricket is looking very good at the moment going into the first Test match."

"I am really looking forward to the Test match," said Samuels.

"Last time I was here I scored a lot of runs and I hope I can repeat that last trip to South Africa."

--IANS/CMC

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