West Indies have emerged from the doldrums: Samuels

Kingston (Jamaica), June 28 (IANS/CMC) Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels says West Indies cricket has emerged from the doldrums and is on the rebound after years of disappointing performances.

Samuels made his comment as the Caribbean side prepares to tackle India and Sri Lanka in the Celkon Mobile Cup tri-nation series starting here Friday.

"The great thing about West Indies cricket right now is that we are competing and winning games, not like back then when we were losing games," said Samuels.

"And not just in the Caribbean but also outside it, the fans are coming back. So that is motivating us to win more games so that we can win back the fans' hearts plus put West Indies cricket back on top."

However the Jamaican strokemaker conceded that West Indies, currently ranked Number eight in ODIs, need to improve in various aspects of the game.

"It is a steep corner to turn but the good thing is that we are on the corner, we have not turned it as yet, so there are a lot of areas we need to improve," Samuels said.

"We need to have more match-winners and get balls in the (right) areas consistently. As a unit we are getting stronger and better and the strength in the group will, in the long-run, see us winning games non-stop and beat the best teams in the world."

Samuels is backing the West Indies to do well against ODI opponents India and Sri Lanka in the tri-series despite their early exit from the Champions Trophy.

India are the number one ranked ODI side and Sri Lanka are positioned three places above the host.

"India and Sri Lanka are very good teams, big names and some young players coming through in good form and playing well, but I am still backing the unit that I have a lot of belief in," the Jamaican cricketer said.

"We are playing some serious cricket right now and gaining a lot of respect, individually and as a team. Playing in maroon is more special than anything else for us."

The West Indies exited the Champions Trophy in heartbreaking circumstances following a rain-hit tied match against South Africa.

"The way I saw it we should go back into the finals and meet India and then it would be perfect, we would just play a T20 and finish off the tournament, we are the T20 champions," he said.

"We are not going to blow our horn about it but at the moment if you look at the West Indies set-up we have some wonderful players with a lot of experience."

--IANS/CMC

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