West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has been named in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs against England in place of the injured Kemar Roach.
Russell is set to return to international cricket for just the second time since 2015 when he joins the squad for the last two ODIs in the five-match series against England. He has played only one ODI in the past four years, representing West Indies against Bangladesh in Guyana last year.
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The explosive cricketer is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League, but will fly back to the Caribbean to join the squad on Monday. Russell will replace the injured Kemar Roach while the fast bowler recovers from a back issue picked up during the recently concluded Test series.
#WIvENG Andre Russell has struck 91 fours and 54 massive sixes in his ODI career so far. He returns to the WINDIES squad for the 4th and 5th ODI matches in Grenada and St. Lucia?. #MenInMaroon #ItsOurGame #Superman pic.twitter.com/LEloIurHYm
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 25, 2019
‘Kemar Roach had to be withdrawn from the ODI series due to injury and will be replaced in the squad by the experienced Andre Russell for the last two matches. We believe Russell will add value to the squad,’ said Cricket West Indies’ chief selector Courtney Browne.
‘We are well aware that although Andre’s bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team.’
READ ALSO: Roach rips through England, 77 all out
The two sides are locked at 1-1, with the third ODI taking place on Monday in Grenada as both teams look to take the lead in the closely contested series.
West Indies squad
Jason Holder (capt)
Fabian Allen
Devendra Bishoo
Darren Bravo
Chris Gayle
Shimron Hetmyer
Shai Hope
Evin Lewis
Ashley Nurse
Keemo Paul
Nicholas Pooran
Rovman Powell
Andre Russell
Oshane Thomas
Photo: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images