West Indies dynamic all-rounder Andre Russell has ruled himself out of the two-match T20I series against India. Russell made a comeback to Global T20 after successful knee surgery but he felt discomfort and therefore won”t feature in the upcoming games for his country.
However, soon after the press release was made, the bulky cricketer was seen turning out for his franchise in the game between Vancouver Knights against Edmonton Royals. West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite defended his teammate and said that the media has been after him for long now.
Brathwaite bats for “team-man” Russell
“I think he”s been knocked in the press a bit because of his injury woes. And I think it”s easy for us to see him hobbling around the field and just take for granted that he”s injured but we can also look at it on the other side and say he can be home, he could be elsewhere and not trying to play for the West Indies.” he said ahead of the 1st T20I against India in Florida.
Russell is one of the most sought after cricketers when it comes to the franchise based T20 league. He has been an asset for a team like Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Brathwaite said Russell”s ultimate goal is to represent the maroon shirt.”And speaking for myself as captain of the T20 team and speaking for myself as Andre”s friend, whenever we speak about playing for West Indies, that”s always his main goal.”
Russell wanted to pull on the shirt: Brathwaite
“And we”ve seen in the World Cup -whether he was 100% or not, it”s debatable – but the fact that he wanted to be at the World Cup, wanted to pull on the shirt and wanted to perform for the people in the West Indies and his mates in the dressing room, I think, is testament to the person he is.” the skipper added.
The sight of Russell limping off the field has been a common sight in recent past. But Brathwaite feels his intensity and will to walk out to the park should be appreciated. “And I think we need to start commending the fact that he actually tries to get on the park and stop lambasting the fact that he probably doesn”t stay on it till the end of the 50 overs or the 20 overs.” Brathwaite concluded.
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