5 reasons why the return of stars will bolster West Indies ODI cricket

Windies get a dependable No 3 in the form of Marlon Samuels

Marlon Samuels (pictured playing for the St Lucia Zouksin the CPL) is a solid figure in the team

In recent times, the Windies batting has lacked depth, skill and in many cases the right temperament to handle what’s thrown at them. They lacked a solid, calm person who could anchor the innings and score some important runs.

That’s what the inclusion of Marlon Samuels into the team would bring. He is known for his ultra-cool exterior and flamboyant batting. A combination this Windies would most definitely need if they want to win more games and improve as an ODI team.

With Samuels we can be guaranteed of someone who can hold one end up, someone who can rotate the strike when required and if he does end up eating away lot of balls, he possesses the skill to step on the accelerator when required.

A batsman who comes in at the critical position of No 3, is someone who is usually the team’s most decorated, trusted and talented player. Classic examples of this would be Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson.

Although Gayle is their most destructive weapon, Samuels is for sure their most dependable batter. He may not get you your quick fire 70 of 30 balls kind of innings but he definitely can bat for long time and he is capable of absorbing the pressure if quick wickets do fall.

5180 runs at an acceptable average of 34.3 with ten centuries makes for good reading. One must also not forget his contribution in the field. He is sharp, agile and even at 36 years of age he is among the country’s better fieldsmen.