Marlon Samuels on the brink of quitting Test cricket

35-year old Marlon Samuels is apparently on the brink of hanging up his pads in the Test cricket arena. Although this may come as a shock to many, Samuels’ age as well as performances in the recent past may reflect in his current decision. Having made his debut all those years ago in 1996 at the age of 19, Marlon Samuels is clearly the most experienced player in the West Indies ranks at the moment. In his long and illustrious career, Samuels has featured in 65 Test matches, 22 Tests ahead of southpaw Daren Bravo.

Reports, however, go on to suggest that Samuels is considering giving up the longest format of the game to focus more on T20 cricket and play in different T20 domestic leagues around the world. Should Samuels eventually be sucked into retirement from Test cricket, he will join the likes of Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, and Andre Russell who are already working in a similar arrangement with the WICB.

“The way how things are right now, it is forcing me to give it (Test cricket) up,” the right-handed batsman had said. “If you look at the system now, we have more young players playing when we should have more senior players and a couple of young players.”

Former wicketkeeper-batsman for the West Indies, Jeff Dujon confirmed the same. “He’s talking about it and he’s thinking about it. We kind of discussed it this (July 23) morning. I don’t think he’s fully made his mind up yet. But he’s starting to feel like he wants to,” Dujon confirmed to Cricbuzz soon after but stressed that it wasn’t a final decision.

Also read – The newly unveiled Marlon Samuels 2.0

Dujon felt that the decision could hinge on how good a series he or the West Indies team has during the ongoing four-match assignment against India. “It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t think he’s fully decided yet. He could very well have a very good series and decide that he wants to play against Pakistan in Dubai.” Dujon added.