Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns with Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi on September 23 (Wednesday) in their IPL 2020 opener. Ahead of the tie, Mumbai pacer Trent Boult is looking forward to bowling Kolkata all-rounder Andre Russell.
The two, best in the business in their respective departments will face off in what is expected to be a thrilling contest. Ahead of the game, Boult is relishing the prospect of bowling against him. In the pre-match presser, Boult spoke about his preparations for facing Russell.
Although Russell has been below par in the recently-conlcuded CPL, but everyone is aware of his capability. He can single-handedly take a game away on any given day.
“He is one of the most destructive batsmen in the game at the moment, and therein lies the challenge. That’s personally why I play the game. I like to take on the big players and take their wickets. I’ll be looking forward to that challenge,” Boult said ahead of the contest.
Also Read: IPL 2020, Match 5 – KKR vs MI Preview
Trent Boult further said that he will stick to the basic rule of bowling yorkers which has yielded him results over the years.
“Personally, I want to stick to my strengths. Try executing the yorkers, take the pace off the ball and stay a step ahead of the batsmen”.
Though the Mumbai bowlers leaked runs in their first match against Chennai Super Kings, Boult was happy with his own performance. he gave 23 runs in 3.2 taking the key wicket of Shane Watson in the process.
Trent Boult All Charged Up to Face Andre Russell
Against KKR, he would look to follow up the good work he did last Saturday. Meanwhile, Russell is coming into this tournament on the back of some good hitting form in the CPL. He scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 141.40. He hit three fifties and 16 sixes in the tournament.
Russell was a big factor in KKR’s win over MI last year at Eden Gardens. he scored 80 off just 40 balls as Kolkata scored the season’s highest total of 232.
“[Bowling in the death overs] is the biggest challenge in the T20 game. Coming into bowl when the batsmen are set. When guys are hitting from that platform, it is pretty hard to defend” pointed Boult.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Match 5 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: 5 Key Players To Watch Out For