Andre Russell's powerful return in international cricket, says 'was dreaming for such return'

Andre Russell picked up 3 wickets and scored 29 runs in 14 balls against England.

West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell made a successful return to international cricket and decimated the T20 world champions, England in the first T20I game played at Bridgetown, Barbados. Russell’s power-packed all-round performance provided West Indies a 1-0 lead in the 5-match T20I series. Big West Indian all-rounder was also awarded player of the match award for his performance. ICC’s newly inducted ‘stop-clock rule’ was also tested successfully in this game.

Andre Russell made his comeback after two years in international cricket. He played his last international match for West Indies in T20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Russell’s performance has also come at the best possible time for West Indies as this will send a message that the host will not be a pushover in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to be played in West Indies and USA in June next year. 

Andre Russell was dreaming for such comeback

The big Caribbean all-rounder picked up 3 wickets in his 4-over spell and conceded only 19 runs. He dismissed Phil Salt (40), Liam Livingstone (27), and Rehan Ahmed (1) in his spell. Andre Russell said after being awarded the player of the match award, “For two weeks now since I got the call up I have been dreaming that my first match back I would be Player of the Match. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I just kept believing that it would happen.” 

Russell also impressed everyone with his batting and played a match-winning 29-run cameo at the end. His 14-ball 29 runs knock helped West Indies chase down the target of 172 runs easily. Batting first, England posted 171 runs on the board. Opener Phil Salt and skipper Jos Buttle (39) added 77 for the first wicket and had an attacking approach. West Indies bounced back soon after picking the wicket of Salt after the powerplay and got wickets in regular intervals.

West Indies were struggling to chase down 172 as England’s spin bowling attack brought English team back in the game. From 100 for 2 West Indies were brought down to 123 for 6 in just 4 overs. Russell came in to bat at number 8 position and played a brilliant cameo. Russell scored 29 runs in 14 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. The second T20I between West Indies and England will be played at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Thursday. 

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