JAMAICA’S fastbowling all-rounder Andre Russell has attributed the positive sequence of events that has propelled him into the senior West Indies team to the guidance of fate.

Speaking to the Observer late last month, the new West Indies invitee said the timing of his surprise call-up to the ‘A’ team tour of the United Kingdom in June was “just right”.

“Everything happens for a reason and the time I got called for the ‘A’ team was just right. At that time my confidence was sky high because I was doing well (playing League Cricket in England). I batted correctly for the conditions and I got the ball in the right areas when I was bowling,” said the 22-year-old.

Despite being a late ‘A’ team replacement for pacer Nelon Pascal, who was named in the senior squad to face the touring South Africans, Russell grabbed that window of opportunity on that UK tour and starred with both bat and ball.

That, along with strong showings in the Jamaica Cricket Festival earlier in the year, contributed immensely to his inclusion in the 15-man senior squad that will tour Sri

Lanka from November 10 to December 21.

Russell, who represents St Catherine Cricket Club at the local level, is determined not to let the opportunity slip by.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to be selected for the West Indies (senior) team and I’m making each and every opportunity count at the moment. I’m trying to give it my all and I’m looking forward to working even harder.

“I want to do some more strength work, especially with my lower back, because the team physio CJ Clark has advised me to work on that some more,” said the former Clarendon College student.

In the October 14-24 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) One-Day Tournament, Russell celebrated his senior Windies call-up with a fine display of penetrative fastbowling, hard-hitting batting and electric out-fielding.

Not surprisingly, he ended as the team’s top bowler with eight wickets in three matches, including an impressive six for 45 against Barbados in Jamaica’s semi-final loss.

Despite the disappointment of losing, Russell was elated with his personal achievement in the semi-final.

“Jamaica didn’t do as well as we could have, but I’m happy I performed well. It’s a boost for me going to Sri Lanka and I’m grateful for it. I’ve heard it’s humid and hot down there, but I just want to stay fit and injury-free and I know everything will be all right,” he said.

On the upcoming tour, West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and a Twenty20 International against the hosts.

Squad: Darren Sammy (captain), Brendan Nash (vice-captain), Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh Jnr, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Nelson Pascal, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas.