After the gap of 3 years, West Indies hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell returns to the One-day international squad for the 3 match series against Bangladesh to be played from 22nd July 2018. It is great news for West Indies cricket to see Russell back in the ODI squad.
He played his last One-day international match against Sri Lanka on 1st November 2015. West Indies qualified for the World Cup 2019 by reaching the finals of ICC World Cup qualifiers held in March this year.
Andre Russell is an explosive batsman who comes down the order and smashes the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground. Due to the violation of World Anti Doping Agency guidelines, Russell was suspended from January 2017 to 2018. The series against Bangladesh will see the beginning of World Cup 2019 preparation. West Indies will play only 16 One day internationals before the prestigious 10 team tournament starting from 30th May and finishing on 14th July.
He played a key role in this year’s IPL playing for Kolkata Knight Riders scoring 313 runs from 16 matches and also 13 wickets from 16 matches.
In international cricket for West Indies, Russell has played 51 ODI’s with 985 runs with a strike rate of 130.81. His best score in ODI cricket so far is 92*. With the ball, Russell has taken 64 wickets from 51 matches with an economy of 5.84 runs per over. His best figures in ODI cricket is 4/35.
The head coach of West Indies Stuart Law said“This is the start of our prep for 2019 CWC. Opportunities for players to stake a claim to be included in the squad. Great to have Dre Russ back as well. His explosive power and energy will breathe life into an already motivated squad,” he said.
West Indies hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle has been included in the squad. The team will be captained by young Jason Holder. The team comprises of mixed of youth and experienced players.
Shimron Hetymer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Keemo Paul, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kirean Powell have been included in the squad.
The first match of the ODI series will be played on 22nd July at Guyana, the 2nd One day international to be played at Guyana on 25th July and the final ODI to be played on 28th July at St Kitts. West Indies will be looking to continue their superb form against Bangladesh after their 2-0 whitewash in the test series.
West Indies squad for ODI series against Bangladesh: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (WK), Jason Mohammed, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder (C), Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell.
