“When you get two people like myself and Marlon, it’s going to be good to watch because neither of us are going to back down.”
That is the view of Ben Stokes, who spoke to Durham TV about his fractious relationship with the West Indies all-rounder and last year’s ICC World T20 final.
The two cricketing stars collided in the heat of battle during April’s showpiece, with Samuels coming out on top with an unbeaten innings of 85.
Samuels’ verbal attacks on Stokes fueled tension that had been present one year earlier during the Test series in the Caribbean.
And Stokes has spoken out about the pair’s relationship, admitting it is “never going to be handshakes and hugs” when the two meet on the cricket field.
The 25-year-old also reflects on the events of that night in Kolkata and how he has moved on from the heartache of losing in the final moments.