ST JOHN’S (Antigua), Feb 5: West Indies are seeking to get Marlon Samuels reinstated to their World Cup squad after the middle-order batsman received clearance to play despite his persistent knee injury.

Ryan Hinds was called into the squad last week in place of Samuels, but Wes Hall, President of the West Indies Cricket Board, has begun talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to see if Samuels can still play in the tournament.

Samuels was examined last weekend by two doctors who decided that the injury to his left knee was not serious enough to prevent him playing in the World Cup.

“Both doctors have concurred that Marlon may return to competitive cricket at all levels — with immediate effect — and we are extremely pleased at this development,” Hall told the WICB’s official website.

“The reports both share the view that Marlon does, indeed, have a problem with his left knee and that the problem is one, which, because of its chronic nature will require periodic monitoring and evaluation. Both doctors, however, concur that there is no immediate need for surgical intervention.

“We will do all in our power to have Marlon play in this World Cup,” Hall added.

West Indies play hosts South Africa in the World Cup’s opening match in Cape Town on Sunday.—Reuters