KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – After missing the T20I series India due to injury, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell says he is working on recovering in time to compete in the 2019 Men’s Cricket World Cup in England.
In an interview with India Today, Russell said his knees forced him out of the competition.
“I did get therapy two months ago and I am feeling a lot better at the moment. I have been busy in the gym, getting ready and fit for the World Cup,” Russell said.
“It is a big tournament, in fact the biggest moment in cricket. I don’t want to sit at home when the World Cup is being played, so just making sure I am fit and ready to go,” Russell added.
The World Cup is scheduled to begin from May 30, and will be preceded by the Indian Premier League (IPL) from March 29 to May 19.
Russell said the T20 league will serve as an ideal practice for many going into such a big tournament.
“It (the IPL) is going to be a big tournament running up to the World Cup and you can work on your game while in the IPL,” he said. “You are going to go and play cricket for two months and on your day off, you can lie in bed all day. The IPL is just before the World Cup, so you have to do everything to stay fit physically and in good condition and after the IPL will be the most important thing. (I) Want to get wickets and get confidence going into the World Cup,” he added. Regarding his time in the IPL, where he plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under Dinesh Karthik, Russell said he is looking forward to playing with his captain again.
“We get along very well. He is professional at what he does. It is good to see what he does before every match and goes on to the field to be the best he can. Waiting for an exciting season with him in the IPL,” Russell said.
Russell was part of the title-winning team with the Northern Warriors, scoring 128 runs from his eight games at an average of 25.60.
He said he personally enjoys playing this format of the game, and believes it has a bright future.
“The T10 is faster and more interesting. This T10 league has bright future because people like to see entertainment and you can come out and watch not just one game but three games in one day,” Russell said.
“I think the T10 and T20 are the formats of cricket that are going to take over. This is my first season, it has been good and I look forward to every game. Bowlers have a chance and batters have a free mind, not to think too much about the game, just play your shots – see ball and hit ball.
“I think this is something that cricketers are going to enjoy. In T20 cricket people think about getting singles but in T10 cricket, they try to get boundaries every ball,” Russell added.
