Test match cricket is easy for Samuels

Exciting West Indies batting discovery Marlon Samuels says without a hint of smugness: "Test cricket is difficult, right now it's not."

The 19-year-old Jamaican right-hander has brought a freshness into the enfeebled West Indian team and emerged from the wreckage of the massive 352-run fourth Test defeat to Australia in Melbourne on Friday with his reputation glowing.

Samuels, who was summoned from the Caribbean as an injury replacement for Shivnarine Chanderpaul early this month, topscored with an unbeaten 60 and 46 in both innings and made a big impression.

"I see a guy like Samuels who has come from nowhere, under-19's, and done it so easy in Test match cricket," said Australian captain Steve Waugh.

"In the two Tests he's played he scored 60 not out in a really difficult time batting with the tail and played exceptionally well and he got 46 today.

"There has to be more players like him in the Caribbean because I'm certain he's not by himself."

Samuels's skipper Jimmy Adams was equally as effusive about the teenager's ability.

"It's a credit to the young man the way he batted and especially in the situation in both innings," said Adams.

"He kept his head and played very well and it was a bright spot and we're hoping he can continue to build on such a good start to his Test career.

"It's really good the way that he has come into this Test and showed that he does have the appitude and mental skills for Test cricket.

"He's come here for two Test matches fairly fresh, he's very talented and he's been champing at the bit for a real test and he's come here and proven himself."

Samuels, the younger brother of left-handed opener Robert who toured Australia in 1997, brings with him no scars like his senior teammates and is part of the new wave of cricketers that West Indians are longing for to resurrect their pitiful cricket team.

"It hasn't affected me in any way because I'm positive in everything that I'm doing," said Samuels.

"I've learned that I have to be focused on every ball at Test level."

Samuels said there are more players like him waiting in the Caribbean for their chance to play at Test level.

"I've seen a lot of good players just the same as me with determination and for them to come forward and play at this level they will have to bring the same approach that I bring."

Obviously the positive youngster will find things become more difficult in future Tests, but for now things are coming easy.

Mail Cricket Editor