Russell keen on returning to West Indies side

Kingston (Jamaica), Jan 7 (IANS/CMC) Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell says he is hoping to use the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand to cement his place in the West Indies side.

Russell, one of three players called up to join the squad, says his goal is to be in the West Indies side for the defence of their ICC World T20 title, reports CMC.

The World Twenty20 will be held in Bangladesh between March and April this year.

"One of the aims is to try and make use of this opportunity, as the World Cup is just around the corner," said 25-year-old Russell.

"It is a good opportunity to cement a place in the World Cup team and trying to win it for the second time in a row."

The other two players called up are Grenada and Windward Islands batsman Andre Fletcher, and Trinidadian leg-spinner Samuel Badree.

Russell last represented West Indies in March last year against touring Zimbabwe.

"It feels good to get back in the West Indies set-up," said Russell who has a one-day international average of 30.00 from 34 appearances and a Twenty20 International strike rate of 120.89.

"I have been working hard on my game and I am anxious to get back on to the field in West Indies colours and do my best again."

The New Zealand Twenty20s series, which will follow the ongoing five-match one-day series, is set to bowl off Saturday at Eden Park.

--IANS/CMC

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