McLeod hails Russell's character

St Catherine Cricket Club director of cricket, Ephraim McLeod, has expressed disappointment at the recent ruling of the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel as it relates to a drug testing whereabouts rule violation by Andre Russell, but believes the Jamaica and West Indies bowling all-rounder has what it takes to bounce back.

The ruling, which was handed down by the panel on Tuesday, puts the 28-year-old Russell on a one year ban from the game for not making his whereabouts known to local drugs testers.

It is unclear if Russell, who pleaded a lack of understanding as it relates to local drug testing procedures, will launch an appeal.

Batting style

"I haven't spoken to him since, but anybody would be disappointed with what has transpired," said McLeod, who is also a member of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) National Selection Panel.

"It is just how you bounce back from it and I think he has the ability to bounce back. I have known him from he was a child and have been around him all along and he is that type of person."

Russell has become a household name in cricket, due his attacking batting style, and at times incisive bowling, particularly towards the end of a limited overs match.

He has played one Test, 51 One Day Internationals and 43 Twenty20 Internationals with the latter version best suiting his playing style.

This ability score runs at a fast pace, and provide buffer with his bowling, has also seen him emerge as one of the most in-demand players in club franchise Twenty20 cricket across the globe.

This includes having represented club franchises in most Test playing countries where he has won five domestic titles over the course of the last year and a half.

Strong character

He has also won two ICC World Twenty20 titles with reigning champions, the West Indies.

"Things like these (the ruling) are like hurdles where you have to decide whether to go over or around," McLeod said. "But he has a strong character and will surely recover."

Russell, who has been recovering from an injury sustained in the Australian Big Bash Twenty20 League, claimed a team leading three for 31 off 10 overs to guide St. Catherine to a five wicket win over Melbourne in the semi-finals of the JCA All-Island 50-Overs Tournament last week.

The final will be played this weekend at Chedwin Park with St. Catherine, who are seeking a third straight hold on the on title, going up against Kingston Cricket Club, who are yet to lose a match in the tournament.