ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Both captain Jason Holder and interim head coach, Richard Pybus, have hailed Andre Russell’s inclusion for the two final One-Day Internationals, as a massive boost to the side’s firepower.
The 30-year-old all-rounder was called up to the 14-man West Indies squad after missing the first three ODIs of the five-match series.
“Obviously he’s an impact player for us,” Holder told reporters here Tuesday.
“He’s definitely built up a strong reputation of being a very destructive player with both bat and ball so he’s obviously an added boost to our side and we welcome him. Hopefully we can get the best out of him and he fits in nicely with the group.”
Russell has not played for the Windies since last August when he featured in a three-match home series against Bangladesh. Even though hosts lost the series, Russell showed his worth especially with the bat, producing a couple of cameos.
Pybus agreed with Holder that Russell was a excellent addition to the squad, especially with the ICC World Cup on the horizon.
“It’s great having him in the setup. Obviously he’s one of a kind. He adds greater depth,” said the Englishman.
“We’ve got some great all-rounders in the squad and that’s always lovely because that means competition for spots.”
Russell has struggled with a chronic knee problem in recent years, resulting in his solitary Test and sporadic appearances in the shorter format.
But Holder believes the upcoming two ODIs against England will provide the ideal gauge of the Jamaican’s capabilities.
“He’s been struggling a bit with his knees in the past but from all reports, he’s gotten a lot better so we’re expecting to get [him] back to full match fitness in terms of 50-overs cricket within time,” said Holder.
“It’s obviously going to be a buildup for him, he’s been playing lots of T20 cricket. It will be a buildup for him slowly but surely but we’ve got him here for a reason to see what he can deliver over 50 overs and hopefully he can come in and make an impact in the series.”
Pybus said workload management would be critical for Russell.
“He’s going to give us overs … he’s had some issues in the last couple of years. We need to manage him carefully,” he stressed.
