Russell’s promise
More of the same on Tuesday at Sabina Park
AFTER HIS superhuman effort at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago that pulled his Jamaica Tallawahs from the jaws of defeat against the Trinbago Knight Riders two days ago, Andre Russell is promising much of the same when his side takes on the St Lucia Stars at Sabina Park on Tuesday evening. Russell hit a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) record 13 sixes in his 121 not out to propel the Jamaica-based team to a four-wicket win after the Knight Riders had amassed a record 223 runs target. “I want the fans to come out on Tuesday because I know they would love to see something like what happened last night (Friday night) live and in person,” Russell said yesterday at the Norman Manley International Airport after the Tallawahs returned home.
“Once they come out and give us the support that we want, anything is possible because great performances happen when you have your home crowd in your corner supporting you whenever you hit a six or four or whenever you get a wicket.”
Russell, who had taken a hat-trick at the back end of the Trinbago innings, became the second man in T20 history to make a century and take a hattrick in the same match. Englishman Joe Denly achieved the feat earlier this year in the Vitality Blast, the English domestic T20 competition.
“I have always heard people say that I am one of the best all-rounders in the world, so I was comfortable with that already. It is not for me to say that I am the best all-rounder in the world now. I am just trying to do my best every time I step out on the pitch,” Russell said.
But before Russell got going, he admitted that the task seemed daunting when the Tallawahs were reduced to 41 for 5.
“As the captain, I tried to stay positive, but I had a little doubt. I knew what I was capable of doing, so I wasn’t that worried. I believed, and once you believe, then anything can happen,” Russell said. He continued: “I am expecting a much better performance with the ball on Tuesday because as you could see, it was a batting paradise as I went for 38 runs. Sabina should be a better wicket to bowl on, and I have a lot of confidence in this bowling attack.”
After the Tallawahs face the St Lucia Stars on Tuesday, they will battle the St Kitts Patriots and Chris Gayle, who led them to two titles, in their final game at home this season on Wednesday night.