Veteran West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell jokingly stated that he would look like a UFC fighter when he participates in the T20 World Cup in June next year. The cricketer suggested that the win in the recently concluded T20I series over England was quite a critical step in their preparation for the mega T20 event which is scheduled to begin on June 4.
Andre Russell made a comeback to international cricket in the five-match T20I series against England. He played a crucial role in clinching the 5-match series 3-2 for his side. The Jamaican finished the series as the highest wicket-taker for his team after picking up seven wickets in five games at an average of 28.13. He proved costly as his economy rate was a worrying 10.46, but most part of the series was high scoring.
Speaking to the broadcasters after the fifth T20I in Trinidad, Russell said he remains confident of the West Indies giving teams a massive run for their money in the World Cup.
The interviewer asked the Caribbean all-rounder if he is prepared for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for June in his home country. In response, Andre Russell expressed his excitement and promised to be in much better physical condition for the tournament.
T20 World Cup Dream a Powerful Motivator – Andre Russell
“I’ll be in better shape, to be honest: I’ll be looking like a UFC fighter. This series win means so much. It [makes me] want to push myself to the limit. Have a lot of cricket to play and that’s good. When you’re playing cricket and in competition, your body is active. You’re not just sat at home waiting for the World Cup. We are definitely going to give some teams a good, good run for their money in the World Cup.”
Russell returned to his usual best with the bat during the England series. The big man’s excellent form is great news for the Caribbean team ahead of the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old amassed 105 runs at a whooping strike rate of 169.35, with a highest of 51. He further added that his focus remains on entertaining the fans to the fullest. Russell also stressed that he needs to recover fully to be at his best in the T20 World Cup.
“Fans won’t know that, but I still get the pressure and the backlash and all of that. It just makes me stronger. I love my Caribbean fans and I know they are passionate about the game, and when we’re messing up, they will be on our backs. I want to make sure that I do the necessary recoveries. Drink a lot of coconut water and get my body right – massages, and all of that. That’s what I did to really be able to come in the last game, bowl three overs for 30-odd runs [37]. Then today was exceptional from all the bowlers.”
The series was tied at 2-2, and the hosts didn’t disappoint their fans. As they clinched the decider by successfully chasing down the target of 133 runs with four wickets to spare.
Read More: West Indies Announce 15-man Test Squad for Australia Tour
