Sammy backs embattled Russell to fire at World T20

West Indies captain Darren Sammy has thrown his support behind Andre Russell and called on his under-fire teammate to put his best foot forward in the World Twenty20.

West Indies, who lifted the coveted trophy in 2012, will begin their World T20 campaign when they will take on England on Wednesday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Russell faces a possible two-year ban from the sport if he is found guilty by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) of missing three tests within a 12-month period.

According to World Anti-Doping Agency rules, it is considered as equivalent of testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance if an athlete misses three drug checks within a 12-month period.

Sammy said that his side are confident that Russell will be taking part in the full tournament and hoped he could replicate his rich vein of form in the T20 format's pinnacle event, Sport24 reported.

West Indies will also play South Africa, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the group stages.