Russell ready for some big hitting

Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell says he can’t wait to get back into the maroon colours of the West Indies as he eagerly anticipates his return to the Twenty20 side, which will face Sri Lanka in two internationals in Kandy starting on March 4.

Russell and compatriots Oshane Thomas, Fabian Allen and Sheldon Cottrell have been included in the West Indies squad to face off with the Sri Lankans and the hard-hitting right-hander, who last played for the Windies back in the 50 over World Cup in June of last year, says he can’t wait to get out on the pitch.

“I am really happy to be back in the maroon of the West Indies, playing for the region is always the best thing and I am about 90 per cent fit following my knee surgery and right now it’s all about recovering properly”, said Russell.

The all-rounder who has been doing a lot of rehabilitation work says he has got used to playing with pain, however, since he has received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injection to help with the healing, his knee feels brand new again.

Knee feels great

“My knee feels great and I have not been doing too much hard surface running but I have been hitting the ball well in the nets and my pace has been good. I am bowling 90 miles per hour consistently and I am looking to bowl even faster”, added Russell.

The 31-year-old, who has played for close to a dozen T20 franchises around the world, says he wants to replicate his franchise form for the regional side with an eye on the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.

“I want to do well for the West Indies against Sri Lanka and make the best of these two matches coming up, I have been putting in the hard work and making the sacrifice to ensure that I am at my best, I have been sticking to a disciplined diet and doing a lot of strength work so I am ready.”