Samuels lashes double century in practice match

Marlon Samuels lashed a double century on the final day of a two-day practice match at the Demerara Cricket Club in Guyana yesterday to warm up for the opening Test against Pakistan later this week.



The right-hander hit a brilliant 213 retired as an Invitational Eleven, responding to a West Indies Eleven 310 for five declared, reached 398 for eight.



He strode to the wicket at number three after opener Kraigg Brathwaite fell leg before wicket to speedster Kemar Roach early in the morning with the score on four for one, and proceeded to dominate.



Samuels, who struggled for runs during the just concluded One-Day International series, smashed 27 fours and 12 stunning sixes in an innings that required just 165 balls.



He shared a 189-run stand for the second wicket with opener Chris Barnwell whose 66 came from 81 balls and included 12 fours and a six.



Captain Brendan Nash got 31 but Ramnaresh Sarwan failed with 18, falling to Roach who captured two for 68.



Darren Sammy, who skippered the West Indies Eleven, finished with three for 64 including the scalp of Nash.



Twenty-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble chipped in with an unbeaten 43 down the order.