Dark days inspired the Melbourne Renegades' Marlon Samuels back to the top

MARLON Samuels says his 2008 match-fixing ban has inspired his resurgence to the top of world cricket.

MARLON Samuels says his 2008 match-fixing ban has inspired his resurgence to the top of world cricket.

The Melbourne Renegades Big Bash recruit was named in the Twenty20 World XI after leading the West Indies to victory in October, where he was also player of the match in the final against host Sri Lanka.

And while he maintains the two-year ban - for allegedly passing information to a  bookmaker - was "unjust'', he says the time away helped him.

"I could never lie down and die; I have a lot to prove, not just to people out there, but to my family as well,'' Samuels said.

"I've never seen myself as a failure and I never see anything that can stop me  doing what I want.

"I set my goals, and obstacles have come in my way to stop me from achieving my goals only for a while.

"But  I went back to the drawing board and set my goals and standards even higher because I was under pressure and I'm behind where I wanted to be.''

Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said the ban had no impact on the club's recruiting decision.

"It's now more than two years since he returned from suspension and as far as the Renegades are concerned, that particular chapter is well and truly closed,'' Coventry said.

"What we're looking forward to is Marlon continuing his rich vein of form for the Renegades.''

Samuels smashed 78 in the World Twenty20 final, then took 1-15 in his four overs as he and the Windies achieved  redemption.

"For me to come back and get so much love, there is no way I can come back and not step up my game to let people enjoy and feel the real talent I have,'' he said.

"So I started working three or four times as hard as I used to work, just to let people enjoy me and show and thank people who have supported and encouraged me.

"I get a lot of love coming back - that's one of the main reasons I can come back and come back proud with my head high because there is a lot of love.''