Stories by HAYDN GILL

MARLON SAMUELS' troubles don't seem to want to end.

A week after the wonderfully talented cricketer was banned by the International Cricket Council from bowling because of a suspected illegal action and then subjected to a misconduct charge by the West Indies Cricket Board over bribery allegations, his problems have reached the homefront.

Jamaican selectors have refused to pick Samuels in the national squad that is facing Barbados in a key fifth-round Carib Beer Series match at Kensington Oval, starting today.

The 27-year-old had opted out of Jamaica's last match, against Trinidad and Tobago, reportedly because of business commitments, but made himself available for the match against Barbados, captain Chris Gayle confirmed yesterday.

Disappointing

"The situation is very disappointing, as captain. He was available for this game.

"He made himself available but no one communicated to me or said anything letting me know there would be an unchanged team from Trinidad to Barbados," Gayle said.

"It is disappointing that they don't see the quality of Marlon. It is something that we have to go back home and see if we can get some answers. It is people's career you are playing with."

Gayle, the newly appointed West Indies captain for the forthcoming Digicel Series against Sri Lanka, was speaking prior to a practice session for the Jamaica squad at Kensington Oval yesterday.

In light of Samuels' recent problems, Gayle feels this latest episode will trigger all sorts of debate among cricket fans.

"The public is going to speculate . . . that Marlon is picking and choosing his games. It is not like that. We need to come out and clear up this issue and let everybody know what is happening rather than [tarnish] his name," Gayle said.

"He has a lot to deal with at this particular time. This is another thing. You can't treat people like this.

"They are only human. You have to try and help the individual. There is a lot of talent in this young man. He had a terrific series in South Africa."

Jamaica are the Carib Beer Series leaders on 42 points, 12 more than Barbados, setting the stage for an important match that will have a huge impact on which team will take the cup.

Barbados can take some comfort in their opponents' record away from home. For several reasons, Jamaica have had their struggles on the road, but it is something they are starting to turn around.

Since 1998, they have won 27 of their 45 matches at home, against nine defeats and nine draws.

Away from home, however, they have lost more matches than they have won. In 29 matches on their travels, they have won five, lost seven and drawn 17.

Improvement

However, there is evidence of an improvement.

Last October, Jamaica won the KFC Cup that was contested in Jamaica and Antigua.

Last month, they made the final of the Stanford 20/20 Tournament and, after three successive victories at home in the Carib Cup, they travelled to Port-of-Spain and nearly beat Trinidad and Tobago.

"It's a good sign," Gayle said. "The guys realise how important it is to step up our game a notch."