Marlon Samuels returning home

Kingston (Jamaica), Jan 18 (IANS): Injured West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels, who was ruled out of the 15 man squad to Australia, is to return to the Caribbean, media reports here said.

Samuels, who sustained a facial injury, is expected to return home next week to continue his rehabilitation, reports CMC.

He has been sidelined since being struck by a bouncer from Lasith Malinga while playing for the Melbourne Renegades against the Melbourne stars.

Samuels has a suspected fractured eye socket.

However, prior to his departure Samuels is expected to face a Cricket Australia hearing for his part in an on-field fracas with Shane Warne in the same match.

Warne was suspended for a match and fined $4,500, while Samuels faces two charges which have been delayed due to his eye injury.

The West Indies team which leaves the region Wednesday will play five one-day internationals and a twenty20 in Brisbane and start their tour with a match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra Jan 29.