Windies are going to be a real threat in the World Cup 2019, warns Michael Vaughan

Andre Russell has been having a gem of a season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far. The big-hitting Jamaican has contributed to every Kolkata Knight Riders innings so far. And with his recent return to the Windies ODI squad and probable selection for the World Cup team, the Windies could be a huge threat in England this June, feels former England captain Michael Vaughan.

Russell’s contributions with both bat and ball underline his importance for the men in purple-and-gold. Yesterday’s match against the Delhi Capitals proved no exception. With KKR reeling at 61/5 in the 10th over, in came Russell and powered the Knight Riders to a more-than-respectable total. Russell smashed 6 sixes and 4 fours en route to a 28-ball-62, putting on a 96-run partnership with skipper Dinesh Karthik for the sixth wicket.

The power-hitting by Russell and Karthik’s well-paced innings took KKR to post a total of 185, a score unimaginable halfway into the innings. Russell now has 163 runs off his three innings in IPL 2019, with a massive average of 54.33 and a strike rate of well over 200. He has also taken 5 wickets in 3 innings and was named Man of the Match in the first two games. 

Don’t write off the Windies of the World Cup yet

Interestingly, Russell was recalled into the Windies side in February for the last 2 ODIs against England, though he could not find a place in the starting XI. With his current form, it is highly likely that he would also feature in the squad for the World Cup. Windies boast of multiple talented players, including Chris Gayle, who has given a “respect Windies” warning to teams prior to the World Cup. The veteran “Universe Boss” wants to win the Cup before his retirement, and the Windies would want to win it for him.

Recently, Carlos Brathwaite also warned teams against writing the Windies off. His thoughts are shared by Michael Vaughan. Vaughan feels that the Windies are one of the teams to watch out for, and had said back in February that they “will shock a few people”. Russell’s form has reiterated his enthusiasm, with Vaughan tweeting about the threat that the Islanders will pose.

Here’s the tweet: 

The West Indians have the most power in World Cricket … They are going to be a real threat at the World Cup … #DreRuss #IPL2019

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 30, 2019

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