Andre Russell’s likely return to Windies for England ODIs set to boost Caribbeans

The Windies seemed to have turned the clock back with their recent dominating victory over England in a Test series. Old-time cricket romantics were back to their imaginative best seeing this as signs of the Caribbeans’ revival. Though the Windies will have to back their superior performance in the recent Test series against a much higher-ranked England with more, the return of a cluster of talented individuals to the team could be news every Windies fan will rejoice.

After the return of Darren Bravo and Chris Gayle, it is reported that dashing all-rounder Andre Russell could also feature in the squad after the first two of the five ODIs against England, and that’s certainly a big hope, especially with the ICC World Cup not too far away, ESPNcricinfo said.

Russell, who had been struggling with an injured knee, had earlier informed Cricket West Indies (CWI) that he might not be able to withstand the pressure of 50-over cricket but recent reports suggested that things have improved faster than it was thought. There is now a possibility of him playing in the final three one-day matches besides the T20I series that follows the ODIs. Even if he doesn’t bowl full 10 overs, Russell can still make significant contributions to the game with part-time bowling and of course, big hitting.

A T20 specialist with over 4,400 runs and 250 wickets, Russell played last of his 52 ODIs in July 2018 against Bangladesh. He has scored 998 runs and taken 65 wickets so far.

Could Pollard also make a comeback?

Chances could also be open for Kieron Pollard, another exciting Windies cricketer even though a generation of new players has emerged through the ranks. However, with the likes of Bravo and Russell back in the reckoning, even Pollard’s return might not look entirely impossible.

Caribbean cricketers have had their problem with their board over monetary security but the policy of allowing the players to play for various franchises with the understanding that they can still make it to the national time has paid off, the ESPNcricinfo report added.

Windies will kick off their WC campaign against Pakistan in Nottingham on May 31.

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