West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has decided to return to the Big Bash League (BBL). The explosive player has signed with Melbourne Stars for the 11th edition of the tournament.
The news was confirmed just a day after the Stars revealed the surprise addition to Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf to their cohort; he will play his first game on December 27 and remain with the side for the rest of the season.
Russell played 19 games for the Thunder across the three seasons, with his last BBL appearance coming in early January 2017 when he was stretchered off Spotless Stadium in a game against the Stars.
Absolutely HUGE!
The @StarsBBL have gone BIG and secured the services of @Russell12A #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/sMu067fgfp
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 8, 2021
Coach David Hussey gave his thoughts on the matter. He believes that Russell’s addition to the side is a huge boost. He said that he is eager to work with him and that Russell will make his debut on Friday.
“To have someone of Andre’s quality play for the Melbourne Stars is a huge signing for our club. We want our Stars family to watch the best players in action at the MCG and Andre is world-class. I can’t wait to work with him in the time that he’s here and look forward to his debut on Friday night,” said David Hussey as quoted by the official website of the Melbourne Stars.
Andre Russell’s BBL career has been short. He has managed to score 296 runs from 17 innings. Not only that he has managed to pick 23 wickets at an economy of 7.97.
Andre Russell lands in the BBL sphere on the back of superb form
It's official, Andre Russell will play for the Stars!
Dre Russ pinpoints his relationships with a few of the Stars' players and coach Dave Hussey as key reasons for coming to #TeamGreen.
Extra Quote: "(Stoinis) looks like a funny guy" 😅@StarsBBL | #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/PcLgDdhApe
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 8, 2021
The right-handed power hitter comes into BBL 11 on the back of a stunning 90 not out off just 32 balls (nine fours and seven sixes) in a player-of-the-match performance in the Abu Dhabi T10 final on Saturday night.
Prior to that, Russell went through a lean patch in the T20 World Cup after returning from a hamstring injury he sustained early in the second leg of the IPL, scoring just 25 runs in five innings and taking three wickets as the West Indies, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were bundled out with just one win.
Andre Russell will be completing his mandatory quarantine and will soon join the team to play his first match of the season. Everyone seems to be excited to see the power hitter in action.
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