West Indies explosive all-rounder Andre Russell, who additionally performs for Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League, has vowed to reach within the 2024 T20 World Cup “wanting like a UFC fighter” following their T20I collection win over reigning champions England. The skilled all-rounder returned to worldwide cricket after two years of absence. The final time he represented the West Indies was on the 2021 T20 World Cup within the UAE. Russell was the main wicket-taker for the hosts with seven wickets within the five-match collection and was influential with the bat as he scored at a strike fee of 169.35. He expressed his hope of returning to the staff.
“I will be in higher form, to be sincere: I will be wanting like a UFC fighter. This collection win means a lot. It [makes me] need to push myself to the restrict. It means lots, to be sincere, getting the call-up to return again and be a part of the West Indies staff. I have been working for the final two years, ready on a call-up,” he advised TNT Sports activities as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“I am simply excited to be again and have a win, highlighting the function that Daren Sammy has performed in his return. The coach has been backing me lots. I am so comfortable. I really feel like I’ve received an enormous, huge championship with only a collection win, that is how a lot it means to me,” he added.
Russell joined the staff instantly after enjoying within the Abu Dhabi T10 League. He said that the lengthy flight had affected his efficiency.
“I used to be coming from Abu Dhabi the place it is a huge time distinction. Flying again into Barbados I attempted to remain up as late as doable to be sure that I get sufficient sleep in order that I can [be] contemporary for the sport,” Russell stated.
“After I acquired to Grenada, I simply could not sleep. I began feeling sleepy at 6 am, which might be the time that I’d sleep in Abu Dhabi. Followers will not know that, however I nonetheless get the strain and the backlash and all of that. It simply makes me stronger. I like my Caribbean followers and I do know they’re passionate concerning the recreation, and after we’re messing up, they are going to be on our backs,” Russell added.
Coming to the collection, West Indies clinched the primary two video games and England bounced again to win the subsequent two. With the collection stage, the hosts outclassed England and clinched the collection with a four-wicket victory.
Matters talked about on this article
