Calypso kings a cricketing force once more

AT the height of Calypso cricket 30 years ago, it was often said there were world-class bowlers around every Caribbean corner.

Samuels

AT the height of Calypso cricket 30 years ago, it was often said there were world-class bowlers around every Caribbean corner.

Across the West Indies it seemed as if there was a giant, and continuous, production line of champion cricketers.

But the all-conquering team's dominance came to a shuddering halt in the mid-1990s.

From having all its nations transfixed by its performances, the West Indian cricket team became an embarrassing easybeat.

And for the first time in living memory, cricket was no longer the sport of choice as politics and funding crises took their toll on the game that had unified the region.

But a new wave of entertaining, athletic and purposeful Windies warriors are making their mark.

This is evidenced by their World Twenty20 triumph in Sri Lanka in October.

One of the keys behind the revival is new Melbourne Renegades star Marlon Samuels.

The hard-hitting batsman told the Herald Sun that being player of the final and named in the World XI had been a dream, but a distant second to an even loftier achievement.

"It's a greater honour to play a supporting role so that the Caribbean could enjoy our team once again,'' Samuels said.

"It has been a while, but in the Caribbean now, wherever you go in the streets, cricket fever is back.

"A lot of kids had turned to basketball; a lot of people had lost interest. But I can tell you right now the interest and the energy of people in the street, they're cricket crazy once again.

"I'm very happy that I can help someone to have a good day by just watching me play in a team that has won a world title.

"It's a great honour if it gives a spark to make others want to be world champions, helping cricket in the West Indies have that impact again on people's lives.''

Gayle

Samuels, 31, is hell-bent on making up for two years he lost from 2008 for what he maintained was an unjust suspension for passing team information to a bookmaker.

He is desperate to continue his roll at Etihad Stadium and ensure the Renegades play a style of cricket that he said enthralled fans around the world.

"We West Indians admire Australians for being aggressive. That's the type of cricket we enjoy,'' he said.

"Australians play their cricket free, and with a free spirit.

"Australians play cricket hard. They are competitive and we West Indians watch that.

"Growing up, I watched Australia playing and seeing Australia playing really hard. We enjoy that.

"You'd find that West Indians playing against Australia, we might have a few words, but at the end of the day, it's all about cricket. After we can have a few drinks and still talk ... .

"Playing hard means you've got a lot of passion. That's what I'm going to bring to Melbourne.''

Samuels admitted he knew little of most of his new teammates, who will come together for the first time for the Big Bash season-opening blockbuster against crosstown rivals the Stars on December 7.

Most likely Samuels will miss that match while he remains on international duty in Bangladesh.

"I don't know them much yet, but what I can tell you is that I fit into any team and as fast as possible,'' he said.

"I'm going to help my team go to the next level because I'm coming there to play cricket the way I know how to play cricket and I'll be giving just the way I give to the West Indies.''

Along with Sunil Narine (Sydney Sixers), Kemar Roach (Brisbane Heat) and fan favourite Chris Gayle (Sydney Thunder), Samuels will give the Big Bash a distinct Caribbean flavour.

They will then form the backbone of the national team for its series of one-day and Twenty20 matches against Australia in February when Samuels promises fireworks.

"We are a very strong unit with very strong players - and the team has a very strong bond,'' he said."It's coming back together ... it's a cycle.

"Australia was on top for the last 5-6 years and it's not like that any more.

"England and South Africa are probably the best. It shows everybody has an opportunity to rule the world.

"It's not going to be a West Indies team that will be rolled over easily.

"If Australia are going to win, they'll have to put up a good fight to beat us.''

Samuels won't predict his celebration moves when the Renegades or Windies prevail. But he promised they would be worth watching.

"In the heat of the moment, things can just come out ... I can't tell you what will happen, just that it will happen naturally. But it most definitely will be entertaining,'' he said.