ICC World Cup 2019 | Andre Russell is an impact player, says Jason Holder
Jason Holder has stated that Andre Russell is an impact player, referring to the all-rounder’s two wickets in the three overs he bowled in the World Cup encounter between West Indies and Pakistan. West Indies thrashed Pakistan as the former chased down the latter’s target of 106 in 13.4 overs.
West Indies put Pakistan to bat in their first World Cup encounter and things panned out horribly for latter. Imam-ul-Haq was the first batsman to be dismissed in the third over off a short ball by Sheldon Cottrell. Andre Russell followed it up with wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail in the sixth and tenth over respectively.
Babar Azam, too, did not last long as he was dismissed in the 13th over by Oshane Thomas, leaving Pakistan reeling at 62 for four. However, the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s wicket in the 17th over triggered a huge fall. Pakistan were dismissed for 105 in 21.4 overs from 75 for four at the end of the 15th over. West Indies skipper Jason Holder was highly impressed with his pacers.
“Got off to a really good start. Got wickets with the new ball which is what we ask of the guys. Russell is an impact player. Really good to see the impact he had today, followed by Oshane Thomas. Sheldon started really well for us. Credit to the boys who stuck to the task,” he said, reported Cricbuzz.
Russell’s big hitting skills are well known but the big-hitting all-rounder also bowled as per plans to end up with figures of four for two in just three overs. The Pakistani batsmen had no answers for his short balls and the skipper was all praise for him.
“Russell can get the ball through, bowled some sharp balls today. He's one who gives 100% every time even though he might not be 100%,” Holder expressed.
Oshane Thomas too returned with figures of 27 for four in the 5.4 overs he bowled. The skipper reckoned that the 22-year-old is an impact player.
“Good to have a young quick. We know Oshane can be expensive, but he's a genuine wicket-taker and that's a gamble we're willing to take. With such high totals these days, you need to get wickets. We see him as an impact player,” remarked the Barbados all-rounder.
Chris Gayle did not hold back his hitting despite the meager target. He blasted a quickfire fifty off 34 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir, the lone bright spot for Pakistan from this game. The skipper felt that Gayle’s innings eased the pressure on the side.
“Chris started us off tremendously. He eases the pressure in a chase like this. He imposed himself and kept them at bay,” explained the 27-year-old.
West Indies have been tagged as the ‘dark horses’ by many former cricketers as they went ahead with a full-strength squad. The skipper, however, maintained that he has no expectations and is only looking to play fearless cricket.
“Wanted to start with a win. Been a long build-up to the tournament. Been anxiously waiting for this first game. Good to get it out of the way. Don't want to get too far ahead. As I said in the press conference, I have no expectations, just want to come out and enjoy our cricket. Play fearless cricket and make the people back home proud,” Holder signed off.
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