- Mar 4, 2024
- Jul 19, 2023
Andre Russell, the iconic West Indian all-rounder, has been recalled to the national T20 squad after a two-year hiatus. This exciting development comes ahead of the highly anticipated five-match T20I series against England, set to begin next week in the Caribbean.
Russell’s comeback means that he is in contention for the upcoming T20 World Cup which will be held in June in the West Indies and the United States of America. Interestingly, Russell last represented WI in 2021, in the same tournament before being overlooked for the 2022 edition in Australia.
Russell, 35, boasts an impressive T20 career, captivating audiences with his explosive batting and effective fast bowling. His absence from the national side has been a significant blow to West Indies cricket. However, his recent resurgence in form, evident in his participation in the Abu Dhabi T10, has paved the way for his much-awaited return.
A lot of eyes will be on Russell as he embarks on his comeback mission, aiming to prove that he remains a dominant force in the shortest format of the game. The inclusion of Russell injects a potent dose of experience and power into the West Indies T20 lineup. His presence is expected to bolster the middle order and provide valuable firepower in the death overs.
Another player who returns to the setup after a long time is Sherfane Rutherford. The all-rounder last played a T20I four years ago. The likes of Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers also return after missing the ODI series. Matthew Forde who was the player-of-the-match in the final ODI, has also been picked.
The series will get underway on Wednesday, December 13 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Buoyed by their recent ODI series victory, the Windies will be looking to extend their winning momentum. The English, on the other hand, are desperate to find their form and reverse their recent struggles. This clash is sure to generate intense pressure, particularly on England’s captain, Jos Buttler.