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West Indian batsman Marlon Samuels is a complex character.
There’s no doubting his ability, although he has never really realised his true potential because he’s a ‘jack-man’, usually playing for himself.
And that’s where he’s come into Shane Warne’s cross-hairs.
So it was no surprise when television commentator Warne gave Samuels plenty of stick, and rightfully so, during the West Indies tour of Australia last summer.
The vastly experienced Samuels scratched out a mere 35 runs in the three Tests to average 7.00 and fielded as though he was on a Caribbean beach sipping a cocktail – and Warne didn’t miss.
Nor did Warne miss in the T20 World Cup semi against the Black Caps when Samuels was backing away from short-pitched deliveries, Warne stopping just short of calling Samuels a coward.
Samuels gave Warne more ammo when the West Indian sledged England paceman Ben Stokes bowling the last over of the final with the Windies requiring 17 to win.
And Samuels’ sledging rose by the ball as Carlos Braithwaite unleashed 6, 6, 6, 6, off the first four deliveries, and the Windies were home.
At the World Cup presentation Samuels cut loose on Warne.
Samuels was receiving his man-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 85, his highest score in 46 internationals, having survived a caught behind decision from the third umpire on 27. It was arguably a match-winning reversal or the Windies would have been 4-37.
Samuels was angry when he spat out “Every day Shane Warne has a problem with me, I’ve never respected him.
“Maybe because my face is real, and his face is not?’.
The last comment is a bit deep, was it because Samuels’ face is on television while he’s batting, and Warne’s face is not while commentating?
Whatever the meaning, there’s a double message for Marlon Samuels.
How about giving your all to the West Indies at all times instead of tanking when it gets tough, and if you must sledge don’t spit the dummy when there’s retaliation.
If it’s too hot in the kitchen, put on your swimmers and sun-screen and sip cocktails.