Andre Russell has pledged to arrive at the T20 World Cup next year “looking like a UFC fighter” after making a strong comeback for West Indies, leading to a thrilling four-wicket win over England in the decider in Trinidad on Thursday. Making a return to international cricket after a two-year absence, Russell was not part of the West Indies squad for last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. He expressed his excitement over getting the call-up and mentioned that he has been working hard for the past two years waiting for the opportunity. Russell credited coach Daren Sammy for his return, stating that the coach has been a significant support for him.
Russell was the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in the series, excelling with both bat and ball. His performance in the series opener was particularly noteworthy. He mentioned the challenges he faced after arriving in the Caribbean from playing in the Abu Dhabi T10, stating that the long-haul flight affected his performance. However, he is determined to push himself to the limit and improve his physical conditioning for the T20 World Cup. Russell expressed his enthusiasm for playing in upcoming T20 tournaments and emphasized the importance of staying active and competitive.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup in June, Russell is optimistic about West Indies’ chances and is determined to give other teams a tough competition. He stated that he will be in better shape and aims to push himself to the limit. With an upcoming schedule filled with cricket competitions, Russell is focused on maintaining his fitness and being fully prepared for the T20 World Cup.
