West Indies National Cricket Team have recalled swashbuckling all-rounder Andre Russell for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Alongside, Russell, Oshane Thomas, who suffered a car accident recently, Shai Hope and Fabian Allen into their 14-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Shimron Hetmyer, who missed out on ODI selection after failing to clear the fitness test has also made it to the team.
Russell has been struggling with injuries since the Indian Premier League in 2019 and was ruled out of the ICC World Cup in England midway leaving West Indies in deep trouble. Since then, he has been in and out of action owing to the injury. However, Andre Russell successfully completed the Cricket West Indies (CWI) return-to-play assessment programme in Jamaica under the supervision of the medical team to make a return.
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On the other hand, Oshane Thomas, who suffered a car accident few days back has also made it to the squad. Shai Hope has been included as an opening option and a back-up wicketkeeper whereas Fabien Allen returns from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan late last year.
"Andre Russell is back in the squad, having been cleared by the medical panel and successfully completing CWI's return-to-play protocol. Andre will add potency to every department of the team. Oshane Thomas appears to be focused and raring to go. He will add pace and penetration to the bowling unit," said CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper.
Roger Harper also added that he is looking forward to building the squad from here for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. He also aims to win the series and have confidence by their side as the sides continue their preparation for the mega event. The two-T20I series starts at the Pallakele International Cricket Stadium on March 4.
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"I look forward to the team building on its recent performances and winning the T20 series in Sri Lanka. This is another opportunity for the team to build on its strengths and identify areas that need improvement while continuing the process of building up with the aim of peaking for the T20 World Cup in October," he concluded.
West Indies squad for the T20Is against Sri Lanka
Kieron Pollard (c), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr., Kesrick Williams
