Speaking on his fitness after West Indies’ T20I series victory over England, Andre Russell said that he’ll be “looking like a UFC fighter” for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Returning to international action for the first time in more than two years, Russell played a key role in the hosts’ 3-2 series win. In the first game of his series, he produced his best T20I bowling, posting his 3 wins and 19 losses in 4 overs.
Russell struggled a bit in the intervening three games, but recovered well and finished the series with 2 wins and 25 losses from 4 overs. With the bat he made an important cameo with his 29 (14) and his 14 (10) in the first two matches and his second T20I fifty in the fourth match. (51 of 25 games) followed up.
Speaking to broadcasters after the conclusion of the fifth T20I in Trinidad last night (December 21), Russell, who joined the series from Abu Dhabi, said it was difficult to adapt to the time difference between the two locations. .
“Not to make any excuses professionally, but I’m from Abu Dhabi. As you know, there’s a big time difference.” On the flight back to Barbados. I tried to stay awake as long as possible so I could get enough sleep and be in time for the game.
“When I arrived in Grenada, I couldn’t sleep at all. I get sleepy at 6am, which is the time I go to bed in Abu Dhabi. So my fans may not notice, but I still feel the pressure and the backlash. I’ve been through it, and it makes me stronger.”
When asked if he was ready for the 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Caribbean in about six months, Russell said he was excited and hoped to be in even better shape leading up to the tournament. promised.
“Yeah, honestly, I’m going to feel better. “I’m going to look like a UFC fighter,” Russell said.
Shai Hope seals the game and the series with a six! 👏
With four balls left, West Indies won by four wickets. 💥#WIvENG Image .twitter.com/0a7mh9pWny
– Wisden (@WisdenCricket) 21. December 2023
During the conversation, the all-rounder reiterated several timeshow much the series victory meant to him. “This series win means a lot and he wants me to push myself to the limit,” Russell said.
“So you have to play a lot of cricket, which is good. When you play cricket, you become competitive, you become physically active, you just sit at home and wait for the World Cup. Not necessarily. [T20] World Cup will always give some teams good performances.”
West Indies’ next T20 appearance will be against Australia in Australia next year.
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