Eoin Morgan wants Stokes to be his competitive self ahead of the clash against Samuels

England steamrolled the West Indian team in the deciding Test of the three-match series to win it 2-1. However, things are set to be different with the white-ball as the West Indian side has a competitive edge in the limited-overs format given the power hitters in their lineup and was evident from the way the one-off T20I panned out.

Skipper Eoin Morgan has urged all-rounder Ben Stokes to be his competitive self against the long-standing figure of Marlon Samuels. The duo has had their share of history pipping against each other. They will meet again in the first ODI, with Samuels already stating that he would get an edge over the English all-rounder on Tuesday at Old Trafford.

The rivalry grew during the finals of the World T20:

The old-rivalry will renew itself, with a salute sendoff from the West Indian triggered Stokes at the first place two years ago. Then the duo met each other in the finals of the World T20 2016, where the two sides collided in a thrilling tie at Kolkata. Samuels had the upper hand over the English all-rounder with a score of 85 not out, with his partner Carlos Brathwaite smashing Stokes for four consecutive sixes which led the side from Carribean to a victory.

“I want Ben to be himself,” Morgan told reporters at Old Trafford on Monday. “I want Ben to get into the contest of a game. It’s part and parcel of his character and part and parcel of getting the best out of Ben Stokes. I’ve no worries at all.” he further added.

Samuels would not trigger a fight

The West Indian called out Stokes after the finals, terming him a “nervous lad”. However, Samuels has stated that he would be on his best behaviour, following the dispute with the Cricket West Indies due to his attitude.

“I’m going to come to England and be a good boy, at least for the start,” the 36-year-old Jamaican told the Guardian in an interview earlier this month. “As long as he (Stokes) keeps quiet, I won’t start anything,” Samuels concluded.