lKINGSTON

Marlon Samuels has vowed to become the number one batsman in test cricket following his starring role that helped propel West Indies to the heights of cricket glory once more.

Samuels has promised to work hard at further improving his game after playing a leading role in helping West Indies secure the ICC Twenty/20 trophy by beating Sri Lanka by 36 runs in Sunday's final.

The 31-year-old batsman is focused on claiming the top spot in the longer version of the game.

"I want to be number one and I will continue to work hard because I want to be number one before I finish," Samuels told journalists at the Normal Manley International Airport, in Jamaica, on Wednesday.

"I have a lot of plans and the bar continues to rise, especially when I achieve my goals. So what I can say is look out for a more mature cricketer, and an improved cricketer, and I will just continue to work as hard as possible".

His top score of 78 runs and bowling figures of one for 15 earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.

Samuels has so far played 39 Test matches with an average of 32.83. He has made three hundreds and 15 fifties, with a top score of 117.

"The world hasn't seen a double century or a triple century from me as yet, so look forward for them and as soon as possible," Samuels declared. "Every time I talk things before it happens, so you can see by now I like to put myself under pressure...that's how I bring out the best in me."

Samuels is enjoying an exciting comeback to international cricket after serving a two-year ban that ended in 2010. Indian police had accused him of giving out team information to a known bookie prior to a one-day international between the West Indies and India in 2007.

"For you to have been playing something since age 12 and then for someone to tell you that you can't play for two years, words can't explain how tough that is, but nevertheless I am back with my first love, which is cricket," Samuels said.

"I always loved Test cricket and I continue to love Test cricket. The T20 is exciting, brings a lot of new fans, but Test cricket continues to keep the older people. I think you are more recognised in the world as a Test cricketer." —CMC