Samuels hits ton in West Indies win

Trelawny, Jamaica, Mar 6 (Reuters) West Indies captain Brain Lara believes Marlon Samuels, who struck an unbeaten century in the warm-up win over Kenya, is finally ready to realise his potential just in time for the World Cup.

Samuels broke into the West Indies side aged 19 on the 2000-'01 tour of Australia without a single first class game behind him but despite an impressive start he has largely failed to build on his promise.

''Marlon Samuels has the ability; we have known that since he was 16 years old and since he came into first class cricket. Now he is getting more of an opportunity and is responding well,'' said Lara, who did not bat in his team's 268.

''We are really appreciative that he is coming to the party just at this moment before the World Cup. He is in the right frame of mind, mentally now,'' added Lara.

Samuels was cleared to play in the World Cup despite an International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption unit investigation into allegations that he passed on confidential team information to a bookmaker.

Against the Kenyans he produced some confident stroke play after opener Chris Gayle had set the innings up well with a classy knock of 75.

Lara said he was pleased with the batting display from his side but felt there was more to come from his bowlers who allowed Kenya to get within 21 runs of their total.

''There was a lot of room for improvement but it is hard (for the bowlers) to get the intensity in a warm-up game,'' said Lara.

The West Indies skipper believes the adrenalin will start flowing in Friday's final preparation game against India.

''Things will pick up on Friday. We will be closing in on our opening match and India are the kind of opposition who will be looking to get a psychological advantage. That will be a game that neither side will want to lose,'' he said.

After facing India, West Indies begin their campaign in group D against Pakistan on March 13.

REUTERS HSB SSC1241