Boost to WI: Andre Russell joins squad, available for 4th, 5th ENG ODI

Windies have received a big boost in the ongoing ODI series against England as all-rounder Andre Russell has joined the Windies squad and he is available for the fourth and the fifth ODI. Meanwhile the third ODI between Windies and England will be played on Monday 25th February.

Russell adds more balance to Windies squad

The all-rounder is known for his big hitting ability and is a useful medium pace bowler as well. Add to it his acrobatic fielding skills and Russell is an asset in the white-ball cricket.

The 30 year old cricketer has featured in 52 ODIs so far and has scored 998 runs at an average of 28.51. And he has scored these runs at an astonishing strike rate of 130.45. He has also claimed 65 wickets.

JUST IN: Andre Russell returns to Windies squad for 4th and 5th ODIs vs England

Squad: J Holder, F Allen, D Bishoo, C Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, J Campbell, S Cottrell, C Gayle, S Hetmyer, S Hope, A Nurse, N Pooran, A Russell, O Thomas

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 25, 2019

Russell also has experience of 287 T20s and has scored 4456 runs at a strike rate of 166.57 and has also taken 259 wickets.

The chairman of CWI selection panel, Courtney Browne said that we are well aware that although Andre’s bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team.

He stated that the panel takes this opportunity to wish captain Jason Holder and his team all the best for the remainder of matches in the series.

Russell to replace whom?

It will be interesting to see whom Russell will replace if he gets to play in the fourth or the fifth ODI.

Currently Carlos Brathwaite is playing in the Windies team as the all-rounder in the series against England. The right-hand batsman has failed to make an impact so far in the series and has scored only 16 runs in two innings and has picked only one wicket so far.

Also read: ENG vs WI DREAM11 GRAND LEAGUE TEAM | England vs Windies 3rd ODI

Windies squad for England series

The third ODI of the five match series will be played on February 25 while the fourth and the fifth ODI will be played on 27th February and 02nd March respectively.

Windies squad:  Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell (for 4th and 5th ODI)