Windies all-rounder Russell aims high for India tour

Andre Russell

All-rounder Andre Russell says he plans to carry his success in the just ended Caribbean Premier T20 League (CPL) into the West Indies A tour of India in September.

Russell has been included as a member of the squad to play three One-day and one Twenty20 fixture preceding three Test matches.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to get back into the West Indies setup,” Russell said Thursday.

“A team cricket is the next step from the international scene.”

Russell featured prominently in Jamaica Tallawahs securing title honours in the inaugural CPL.

He finished sixth in the top-scorers chart with 203 runs made with a league-leading strike-rate of 189.71.

“I will remain positive and try to be as successful as possible with the bat and the ball,” said Russell a member of the West Indies team which won the ICC World T20 championship last year.

“It’ll be hard work in the hot sun in India. I’m resting up right now and looking to get my fitness up.”

Russell has faded from the senior West Indies outfit since the Zimbabwe home series in March.

However the Jamaican cricketer, who hit the most sixes in the CPL, said he will return as an all-rounder and not just a batsman.

“I’ll still back my bowling. There’s always room for improvement and I’m still a bowler even though it’s been the bat I’ve shone with lately,” he said.

“I improved on my field-setting and players like (Vernon) Philander, (Kumar) Sangakkara and (Muttiah) Muralitharan have helped me in their chats. Their experience added a lot for me. My death bowling has improved. Starting my spell was my problem but now I am starting better with the ball.”