Injured Russell looking forward to World CUP

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.