Marlon Samuels broke into the West Indies squad as a lad with immense promise but while letting that potential flower, the youngster nearly succumbed to distractions.
His bowling action, while delivering off-breaks, was deemed suspect and while he got busy with remedial measures, an even more terrible stain tainted him in 2008. Samuels was accused of collusion with bookies and he was slapped a two-year ban.
Just as his cricketing obituary was written, Samuels reverted to the straight path of hard work and the results were instantaneous. His biggest moment occurred in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 final at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
Walking into bat in the very first over after Johnson Charles fell to Angelo Mathews, Samuels also witnessed Chris Gayle’s capitulation to Ajantha Mendis.
The Sri Lankans sensed a breach but Samuels refused to budge. His 78 (56b, 3x4, 6x6) rescued the West Indies and it also included an assault on Lasith Malinga, who was caned for five 6s and a four. Later, player-of-the-final Samuels also sparkled as an effective bowler (4-0-15-1).
After the West Indies lapped up a remarkable night, Samuels walked into the press conference hall with moist eyes and said: “Being under pressure on a cricket field is nothing compared to what I have been through off the field. I never say die.”
He had turned the tide and that was welcome news to the Caribbeans.
