Windies vs Bangladesh: Andre Russell ruled out of the series decider

Keeping an eye on the upcoming mega event ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019, Cricket West Indies selectors brought back the Caribbean hard hitting all-rounder Andre Russell for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The last time Andre Russell played an ODI before this series was against Sri Lanka in 2015.

The 30-year-old was a part of the first ODI against Bangladesh scoring 12-ball 13 runs and picking a wicket. However, Windies lost the game by 48 runs. He was ruled out of the second ODI with knee injury. Bangladesh lost the nerve-wracking thriller by just three runs. The same knee injury is set to keep Russell away from the series decider too.

Selectors were quick to announce the replacement

He played for the side with short bowling stints and by applying heavy strapping around the injured area. With his ouster from the series decider, Windies selectors announced the replacement in the form of Sheldon Cottrell. However, the all-rounder is expected to make a comeback in the three-match T20I series starting from 31st of July. Shakib-led Bangladesh side look favourites to clinch the series as they have enough firepower to crush the under-performing Windies side.

Andre Russell was in and out of the national team in the recent years. He missed 2017-18 season due to the doping violation and made a comeback for Islamabad United but his PSL 2018 journey was cut short by hamstring injury. He was also a part of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2018 even though he wasn’t completely fit.

The all-rounder is just two shy of scoring 1000 ODI runs. He has played 52 One Day Internationals thus far scoring 998 runs at an average of almost 29 and a strike-rate of 131. He has four half-centuries to his name and the highest score of 92* against India in 2011. He needs some more time to reach the milestone.

[interaction id=”5b5b0e6d96df42218ab02024″]