Samuels, it is believed, is considering giving up the format in order to play more T20s around the world. Speaking to The Gleaner, soon after the team's T20 World Cup victory, the 35-year-old had said the lack of a good salary package was pushing senior players from wanting to play in cricket's longest format.
The likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo et al are game-changers for their respective T20 teams, and can be more than useful in Tests, too. But the ongoing standoff with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the measly pay packages offered, have forced the top players to look elsewhere.
"The way how things are right now, it is forcing me to give it (Test cricket) up," the right-handed batsman had said. "If you look at the system now, we have more young players playing when we should have more senior players and a couple of young players."
The current West Indian team has a host of young players. From the squad that faced India in Antigua, only Samuels and Darren Bravo have played more than 30 Tests, and the inexperience was conspicuous as India walloped the hosts by an innings and 92 runs. During the same Test, former West Indies 'keeper and current commentator, Jeff Dujon, stated on commentary that Samuels had told him that this would be his final Test series.
"He's talking about it and he's thinking about it. We kind of discussed it this (July 23) morning. I don't think he's fully made his mind up yet. But he's starting to feel like he wants to," Dujon confirmed to Cricbuzz soon after, but stressed that it wasn't a final decision.
Dujon felt that the decision could hinge on how good a series he or the West Indies team has during the ongoing four-match assignment against India. "It doesn't make any sense. I don't think he's fully decided yet. He could very well have a very good series and decide that he wants to play against Pakistan in Dubai." Dujon added.
Although not a player who could be considered great, Samuels has forged a relatively successful career as a West Indies Test player. He was built-up to be the next big West Indies hope early into his career, and was handed his debut at 19. But unfortunately, his off-field incidents dominated his on-field heroics - breaking team curfews, suspect actions, injuries and brawls.
His T20 career is a much more successful one, with two World T20 trophies to his name - including a player of the final award in recently-concluded 2016 edition. He has also played for a plethora of teams around the world - Duronto Rajshahi, Pune Warriors, Basnahira Cricket Dundee, Melbourne Renegades, Antigua Hawksbills, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Comilla Victorians.
It would be another black mark for the now much-blighted WICB if its most experienced Test player walks away from the format because the pay is not up to the mark. Much would depend on how the ongoing series pans out for the team and Samuels. With the next game being held in Jamaica, Samuels's home, the significance only increases.
(When contacted, the West Indies media manager said that he was unaware of Samuels's retirement plans)
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