Former West Indies pace demon Michael Holding thinks the tourists are lacking focus and facing a series whitewash, but Marlon Samuels says the team is in a happy place and he personally is "up for anything".

And who wouldn't be after grabbing a double-century and a five-wicket haul?

Samuels did just that in last week's drawn four-day game against Queensland at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

"I was not really surprised because I've been working hard and we all know hard work pays off in the end," said the Jamaican, who has guaranteed himself a place in the side for Thursday's first Test at the Gabba.

"I feel very good. I'm very, very fit so that's helping me to go as long as possible. I think it played a major part in my batting.

"They are probably looking at me to bowl a long spell, but I am up for it - right now I am up for anything.

"We have a bunch of young fellas who are very positive and we'll go up against any competition right now.

"We believe in ourselves," he said.

Samuels blames a series of knee operations for the roller-coaster nature of his 19-Test career, in which he has made 874 runs at 29.13 with one century.

"I have a lot of people around me who are very positive," said Samuels, a promising player yet to realise his full talents at Test level.

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