Russell credits mid-night cardio for speed increase

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell says strength training and late night cardio vascular exercises to YouTube videos have formed important part of his training routines and are responsible for improvements in his bowling speed.

The 26-year-old Jamaican cricketer has improved his speed and accuracy with the ball, and showed good all-round form in the local league in South Africa recently, reports CMC.

Russell will suit up for the West Indies against South Africa in the upcoming three-match T20 International Series which starts Friday.

"I have been doing a lot of strength work. I am always doing strength work but I have been having a lot of chat with experienced guys who have been playing the game for a while just to strengthen the most important areas," said Russell.

"I have been doing a lot of core work in my room like late nights. If I can't sleep, I just sacrifice the time to do all of those things."

Russell is one of four players on the West Indies T20 squad who played in South Africa a little less than a month ago, in the domestic 20-over tournament.

The others are Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard and their presence along with captain Darren Sammy set the visitors up as the favourites against the South Africans.

"I watch some 10 minutes, 15 minutes abdominal workout sessions on YouTube," said Russell.

The West Indies, known to be better at playing the T20 format as opposed to Tests, will be attempting to avenge a 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the Test series.

Russell believes he has an important role to play in the T20 series and said he is ready to deliver with both bat and ball.

"I am just going to be Andre Russell, put a 100 percent out on the field and then when I get my chance to bowl I come, do the simple things, get the job done then contribute big with the bat as usual," he said.