ICC World Cup 2019 | Happy to be back on such big stage, says Andre Russell

Andre Russell featured in West Indies squad for the 2015 World Cup but he had hardly managed to make an impact. Since then, he only got to play two games since he suffered from various issues and was even banned for a year in 2017 for committing an "anti-doping whereabouts" violation after missing three doping tests in a 12-month period. He was even named in the squad for the limited-overs series against England earlier this year but did not get any game due to his knee injury. However, the all-rounder is delighted to make a comeback on the international stage with the quadrennial event.

“Yeah, of course. In the last series, I joined the West Indies team. It didn't go well with my knee issues. I couldn't even walk. And then to see the guys gelling together and playing in front of the Caribbean crowd, winning games, doing well and to tie the series - it was something I was eager to be a part of. I went back home, worked extra hard on my rehab and made sure that my knees are in the best form. I'm happy to be back, especially on a big stage like the World Cup,” he said, reported Cricbuzz.

The big-hitting all-rounder smashed all records in this year’s Indian Premier League while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. He emerged as the highest run-getter for his side with as many as 510 runs in 13 innings and also had the highest strike rate of 204.81 among all the players in the tournament. Not only that, he even emerged as the highest wicket-taker for his side with 11 wickets in 12 innings, thereby, also winning the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award. Nevertheless, the Jamaican reckoned that his approach will be a little different with respect to one-dayers.

“It's a totally different feel, you're talking about 50 overs. When you look at T20 cricket, me going out to bat with 30 balls to go, it's a totally different mindset. I look to back myself. If I face 15 or 16 balls out of the 30, I can get close to 50 runs, and that is good for the team. But you have to bat a bit smarter in 50-over cricket. If I go with the same mindset here, it may work. And if it don't work, you will look stupid, getting out with 15 overs to go. My mindset is still clear. Once the ball is in my area, I go with it and then be a bit more patient,” explained the 31-year-old.

“I would love to contribute big for West Indies and help them win this World Cup. If I can play an innings like I did in the IPL in the final of the World Cup and put West Indies over the line, lifting that cup would mean... I don't even know how to explain it. Can't describe that,” he added.

Russell has played 52 ODIs, 47 T20Is and one Test for his national side since 2010 but expects to turn up consistently from here on. He also opened up on his poor background.

“My biggest fear in life is to go back to where I came from. I'm from a poor background. Most athletes, most cricketers, most basketballers, most successful people, don't get a handout. We all work hard for it. Cricket don't pay forever. Our lifespan is until 35, and then you start thinking about another year, another two years, because your body is getting older. I want to play till I'm 38-40, but when I get to 35, I'll see how it is. I'm 31 now and sometimes getting out of the bed, I'm like, "Aaargh’, the right-hander expressed.

West Indies will take on Pakistan today at Trent Bridge.

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