Samuels may play for Jamaica

Marlon Samuels has been ruled out of the World Cup, but the gifted Jamaican batsman may be appearing in the opening round of the Carib Beer Cricket Series on Friday.

Samuels was withdrawn from the West Indies team after a report submitted to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) by Dr Akshai Mansingh following an MRI scan on his left knee.

In an interesting twist, there were suggestions that the 22-year-old Samuels could make himself available for Jamaica.

Mansingh told the Jamaica Observer that Samuels was free to play in the regional first-class tournament until what he termed further medical evaluation.

"He (Samuels) will require further evaluation and this is being recommended to take place overseas. Arrangements by the WICB are being made for this to happen. Until then the choice of playing is his ," Mansingh said.

Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) sources said Samuels was expected to turn up for training with the Jamaica 16-man Carib Beer squad yesterday and today.