'Samuels in the right frame of mind' - Lara

Brian Lara, the West Indies captain, believes Marlon Samuels is finally ready to realise his potential just in time for the World Cup. Samuels, cleared to play in the tournament despite an ICC anti-corruption investigation into match-fixing allegations, hit 100 in a warm-up win over Kenya and Lara felt he was "in the right frame of mind".

"Marlon Samuels has the ability; we have known that since he was 16 years old and since he came into first-class cricket. Now he is getting more of an opportunity and is responding well," Lara told reporters in Jamaica. "We are really appreciative that he is coming to the party just at this moment before the World Cup. He is in the right frame of mind, mentally now."

Lara, who did not bat in his side's total of 268, expressed his satisfaction at West Indies' effort but added that the bowlers could've done better. "There was a lot of room for improvement but it is hard [for the bowlers] to get the intensity in a warm-up game."

West Indies play another practice game against India on March 9 before they open the World Cup with a game against Pakistan on March 13.

"Things will pick up on Friday," said Lara. "We will be closing in on our opening match and India are the kind of opposition who will be looking to get a psychological advantage. That will be a game that neither side will want to lose."