‘A masterstroke’
Regardless of a two-year absence, Russell’s shock recall proved to be a masterstroke as he excelled with each bat and ball.
The 35-year-old all-rounder claimed three wickets for simply 19 runs off 4 overs, enjoying a vital half in limiting the world champions to a complete of 171.
England, after a powerful begin with a 77-run opening partnership, had been finally all out.
Mid-innings wobble for Windies
Chasing a goal of 172, West Indies confronted a mid-innings wobble that momentarily introduced England again into the competition.
Nonetheless, Russell, alongside skipper Rovman Powell (31 not out), steadied the ship with a quick-fire 29 not out off simply 14 balls. Russell’s innings featured two fours and two sixes, together with a monstrous six out of the bottom over midwicket off Adil Rashid.
‘Life is so humorous’
Reflecting on his excellent efficiency, Russell remarked, “Life is so humorous. Since once I obtained chosen for the West Indies crew, I have been dreaming for 2 weeks now — and I used to be dreaming of being the person of the match.”
The West Indies innings was marked by explosive hitting, with 14 sixes, together with two huge photographs from opener Kyle Mayers that soared out of the bottom.
Russell sealed the victory in type by slashing a elegant shot over backward level off Sam Curran for 4 runs.
Buttler rued missed alternative
England’s skipper Jos Buttler expressed disappointment over the missed alternative to capitalise on a powerful begin, stating, “From the place we had been in, we had been on the lookout for a rating of 200.”
The second T20I of the collection is scheduled to happen in Grenada on Thursday, promising one other thrilling conflict between the 2 cricketing giants.
Temporary scores:
England: 171 all out in 19.3 overs (P. Salt 40, J. Buttler 39, L. Livingstone 27; A. Russell 3-19, A. Joseph 3-54)
West Indies: 172-6 in 18.1 overs (Ok. Mayers 35, S. Hope 36, R. Powell 31 not out, A. Russell 29 not out; R. Ahmed 3-39, A. Rashid 2-25)
BCCI ends speculations, retains Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach alongside help employees
(With inputs from AFP)
