Andre Russell Returns To Windies ODI Side For England Series

Windies have received a huge boost for the remainder of the ODI series ODI against England. They have included their star allrounder Andre Russell in their  squad for the final two ODIs against England. On the other hand, fast-bowler Kemar Roach, who has is currently nursing a back injury, is out of the entire series. Windies will be high on confidence after drawing level in the series. They had failed to defend 260 in the first ODI but managed to defend 289 in the second to square the five-match series against the world number one ODI side.

The call just ahead of the World Cup, meanwhile, will be a big boost for Russell for his World Cup hopes. The allrounder has fallen down the pecking order in the national team in recent times.

He has been plying his trade in various T20 Leagues and last played for Windies in a T20I against Bangladesh in August 2018. Since 2015, Russell has played just one ODI, against Bangladesh in Guyana last year.

But with the World Cup just over a couple of months away, a good performance against England can very well seal his spot in the squad for the showpiece event. After the series against England, Russell will fly to India for the Indian Premier League where he will play for Kolkata Knight Riders.

“Kemar Roach had to be withdrawn from the ODI series due to injury and will be replaced in the squad by the experienced Andre Russell for the last two matches. We believe Russell will add value to the squad,” Courtney Browne, Chairman of CWI Selection Panel, said.

While a knee issue might limit Russell’s bowling duties, Browne believed that his batting at the death would be an “asset” to the side.

“We are well aware that although Andre’s bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team. The panel take this opportunity to wish captain Jason Holder and his team all the best for the remainder of matches in the series,” said Browne.

Meanwhile, the third ODI in Granada was washed out without a ball being bowled. The fourth ODI will be played in Grenada on February 27 before the final match in St Lucia on March 2. The two teams will then take on each other in a three-match T20I series from March 5.