WI vs IND: Andre Russell rules himself out of first two T20Is
West Indian all-rounder and most sought-after T20 cricketer Andre Russell has made himself unavailable for the first two T20Is against India. The three-match T20I series begins in Lauderhill, Florida today (3rd August). Russell said he is experiencing some discomfort in his ongoing Global T20 Canada stint. West Indies have named Jason Mohammed as his replacement.
Also read: WI vs IND: 1st T20I Preview
Russell’s inclusion in the T20I squad was subject to a fitness test. According to the press release, the 31-year old informed his cricket board about his unavailability. The selectors have thus decided to include Mohammed. The 32-year-old has represented West Indies in nine T20Is so far.
“We welcome Jason Mohammed into the squad for the first two T20 matches here in Florida. He is a player with lots of experience in all three formats and – having done well for Trinidad & Tobago as well as Guyana Amazon Warriors,” said Floyd Reifer, West Indies’ interim head coach.
“It’s difficult to fill the shoes of someone like Andre Russell, who has dominated T20 cricket all over the world – and won the ICC T20 World Cup for the West Indies on two occasions, but we believed Jason is capable of good performances and we back him to perform at this level and help us win games a well,” added Reifer.
Persistent knee problems had ruled out Russell of the 2019 World Cup as well. After withdrawing from the T20I series, the all-rounder did turn out for Vancouver Knights yesterday. He did not bowl and was dismissed on the first ball he faced.
? BREAKING: SQUAD UPDATE! ?
Jason Mohammed replaces Andre Russell in West Indies v India T20I SquadDetails below!
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ https://t.co/rD946w6Axx— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 2, 2019
Russell’s unavailability means that the West Indies will now rely on their senior statesmen to put up a strong performance.
