Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas Return To West Indies T20I Squad

The gun all-rounder Andre Russell and fast bowler Oshane Thomas have made their way back into the West Indies T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka. The Windies will play two T20I against Sri Lanka on March 4 and March 6 after the conclusion of the ongoing three-match ODI series. Russell hasn’t played for the national side since he was ruled out of the 2019 World Cup due to hamstring injury.

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However, he made himself available for the Bangladesh Premier League in the month of December and January. Cricket West Indies has confirmed that Russell “successfully completed the CWI return-to-play assessment program under the supervision of the CWI Medical Team in his native Jamaica.”

Russell gets back into the national side after a long time.

On the other hand, lanky fast bowler Oshane Thomas has also recuperated after he was involved in a car accident in Jamaica. Furthermore, Shimron Hetmyer who was not selected for the ODI series has been included in the T20I series after completing the fitness assessment test successfully.

“Shimron Hetmyer missed out on selection for the ODI squad. He has since attained the required fitness level, becoming available for selection and has been included,” chief selector Roger Harper said.

“Andre Russell is back in the squad, having been cleared by the medical panel and successfully completing CWI’s return-to-play protocol. Andre will add potency to every department of the team. Oshane Thomas appears to be focused and raring to go. He will add pace and penetration to the bowling unit.

Meanwhile, Shai Hope will provide the opening option and also a keeping option along with Nicholas Pooran. Furthermore, spinner Fabian Allen makes a comeback into the squad after recovering from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan.

“Shai Hope provides an opening option and cover as a back-up wicket-keeper also. Fabian Allen returns from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan late last year. He will provide a spin bowling option as well as adding depth to the batting group.”