Samuels hits ton in warm-up game against Kenya

TRELAWNY: Jamaican batsman Marlon Samuels struck a century and West Indies showed confident pre-World Cup form in their warm-up game against Kenya on Monday.   

Opening batsman Chris Gayle laid the foundations for Brian Lara's side's total of 268 for four, the left-hander striking his way to a fifty off 66 balls in the inaugural game at the new Trelawny stadium before he was bowled by Hiren Varaiya for 75.   

There was a small crowd at the 10,000 capacity venue, which will host the opening ceremony on March 11 but the stay-away fans missed some fine stroke-playing from local boy Samuels who hit nine fours and two sixes in his 91-ball century.   

The 26-year-old 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.   

After taking the attack to the Kenyans, Samuels retired on exactly 100 with three overs remaining to allow 19-year-old debutant Kieron Pollard some time at the crease.   

West Indies begin their campaign in group D against Pakistan on March 13 before going on to face Zimbabwe and Ireland as they battle to become the first hosts to win the World Cup.